PM Modi Set for Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin a four-day visit to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic on August 29, with bilateral ties, trade, critical minerals and regional security among the key priorities. The trip will conclude on September 1 after Modi attends the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek.
PM Modi to Hold Talks With Uzbekistan President
Modi will spend August 29 and 30 in Tashkent at the invitation of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This will be his fourth visit to Uzbekistan and his second bilateral visit to the country.
The two leaders are expected to review the India-Uzbekistan strategic partnership and discuss trade and investment, defence, energy, digital connectivity, education and people-to-people ties.
Critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, information technology, space and emerging technologies will also feature prominently in the talks.
India-Uzbekistan Economic Ties in Focus
India and Uzbekistan are seeking to expand business-to-business cooperation and increase investment across key sectors. Bilateral trade and investment together are currently close to $1 billion.
Education has also emerged as an important pillar of the relationship, with more than 16,000 Indian students studying in Uzbekistan and four Indian university campuses operating in the country.
Modi is also expected to visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Tashkent.
Modi to Attend SCO Summit in Bishkek
From Tashkent, Modi will travel to Bishkek from August 31 to September 1 for the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit.
India is expected to emphasise security, connectivity and economic opportunities, while terrorism, separatism and extremism will remain important regional concerns.
Modi is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with several SCO leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, and attend the opening ceremony of the sixth World Nomad Games.
