PM Modi Begins Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan Visit; SCO Summit 2026 on Agenda
- By Thetripurapost Desk, New Delhi
- Aug 29, 2026
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a four-day visit to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic on Saturday, August 29, 2026, with strategic ties, regional security, connectivity and economic cooperation high on the agenda. The tour will take Modi first to Tashkent before he travels to Bishkek for the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.
The four-day diplomatic programme, scheduled from August 29 to September 1, combines a bilateral state visit to Uzbekistan with India’s participation in the 26th SCO Summit in Kyrgyzstan.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi’s Central Asia visit is aimed at strengthening India’s strategic partnerships in the region and advancing cooperation based on security, connectivity and opportunity.
PM Modi in Uzbekistan: Trade, Defence, Energy and Connectivity Talks
Modi is visiting Tashkent on August 29 and 30 at the invitation of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. It will be the Prime Minister’s fourth visit to Uzbekistan.
During his talks with Mirziyoyev, India and Uzbekistan are expected to review cooperation across several sectors, including trade, investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people relations.
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The two leaders will also exchange views on their respective development agendas, including Viksit Bharat 2047 and Uzbekistan-2030.
Modi is also scheduled to visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, highlighting the historical and cultural links between India and Uzbekistan.
PM Modi to Attend 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek
After completing his Uzbekistan programme, Modi will travel to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to participate in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit from August 31 to September 1.
The 2026 summit marks the 25th anniversary of the SCO. India has been a full member of the organisation since 2017.
At the summit, India is expected to emphasise its priorities concerning regional security, connectivity and economic opportunities, while pushing for stronger cooperation against terrorism, separatism and extremism.
Modi is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with other SCO leaders on the sidelines of the summit. Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to hold talks with Modi in Bishkek, while Chinese President Xi Jinping is also attending the SCO gathering.
Modi to Attend World Nomad Games Opening Ceremony
The Prime Minister will also attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games in Bishkek.
The event showcases the traditional sporting and cultural heritage of Central Asia and forms another important component of Modi’s engagement during his Kyrgyzstan visit.
Why PM Modi’s Central Asia Visit Matters for India
1. Strategic Importance of Central Asia
Central Asia occupies an important position in India’s foreign-policy calculations because of its geographic location, natural resources and links with wider Eurasian markets.
India has been seeking stronger relations with the region through diplomatic, economic and security cooperation.
2. Energy and Mineral Security
Energy cooperation remains a significant area of India’s engagement with Central Asian countries. The region’s energy resources and deposits of strategically important minerals make stronger economic partnerships important for India’s long-term interests.
3. Better Trade and Transport Connectivity
Improved connectivity with Central Asia is another major priority for New Delhi. India wants to expand commercial links with the region and explore more efficient routes for movement of goods and investment.
4. Counter-Terrorism Cooperation
Security remains central to India’s Central Asia policy. New Delhi has consistently pushed for stronger international cooperation against terrorism, extremism and separatism.
The situation in Afghanistan and its potential impact on regional security also makes cooperation with Central Asian countries strategically important.
India’s SCO Journey
India became a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in 2017, alongside Pakistan.
The SCO was established in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became full members in 2017, while Iran joined as a full member in 2023.
The organisation provides a multilateral platform for cooperation on security, counter-terrorism, economic development, connectivity and regional stability.
Modi’s Previous Central Asia Engagement
Modi has maintained an active diplomatic engagement with Central Asian countries since becoming Prime Minister.
In 2015, he visited Uzbekistan as part of his broader Central Asia outreach. India subsequently became a full SCO member in 2017.
In 2022, Modi attended the SCO summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. His remarks to Russian President Vladimir Putin that this was “not the era of war” attracted international attention.
What the Modi Visit Means for India
The four-day Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan tour comes as India seeks to expand its strategic presence in Central Asia while balancing bilateral diplomacy with multilateral engagement.
The visit gives New Delhi an opportunity to strengthen ties with Uzbekistan, deepen cooperation with Kyrgyzstan and engage with major powers through the SCO platform.
With security, connectivity and economic opportunity emerging as key themes, Modi’s Central Asia visit is expected to remain closely watched for its implications for India’s regional diplomacy.
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