NEW DELHI — Prime Minister Narendra Modi emplaned on a four-day tour of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan to bolster India’s strategic, economic, and security ties with Central Asia. The visit includes high-level bilateral talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent and participation in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek.Deepening the Strategic Partnership in TashkentThe first leg of Prime Minister Modi’s tour takes place in Tashkent, marking his fourth visit to Uzbekistan. During bilateral delegation-level talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, both leaders are set to review the entire spectrum of the India-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership.Key focus areas include expanding bilateral trade and investment, securing critical mineral supply chains, boosting defense cooperation, and developing digital infrastructure. Economic ties between the two nations have expanded steadily, with trade and investments hovering near .3 billion and both governments pursuing an ambitious target to reach billion within three years.Highlighting the civilisational and cultural bond shared by both nations, Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to visit the Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies.The SCO Summit in Bishkek: Regional Security and Multilateral DiplomacyFollowing his engagements in Tashkent, the Prime Minister will travel to Bishkek for the 26th SCO Summit, hosted by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov. Marking 25 years since the establishment of the regional grouping, the summit brings together heads of state from across Eurasia.At the plenary session, Prime Minister Modi will emphasize India's diplomatic framework for Central Asia, anchored in three core pillars:Security: Strengthening joint counter-terrorism efforts against extremist networks operating in the shared neighbourhood.Connectivity: Integrating land sea routes—such as the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and Iran’s Chabahar Port—to overcome overland transit barriers.Opportunity: Unlocking joint ventures across energy, education, tech innovation, and trade.SCO Summit OverviewDetailsLocationBishkek, Kyrgyz RepublicKey ObjectivesRegional security, trade, counter-terrorism, multi-nodal transport corridorsBilateral Side MeetingsScheduled engagements with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other SCO leadersCultural EventOpening Ceremony of the 6th World Nomad GamesOn the margins of the summit, high-stakes diplomatic meetings are planned, including a key bilateral interaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Both leaders are expected to evaluate bilateral defense and economic engagements following recent inter-governmental discussions in Moscow. The Prime Minister will also attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games, celebrating Central Asia's cultural heritage.Why Central Asia Matters to New DelhiCentral Asia represents an integral part of India’s "extended neighbourhood" policy. Over the past decade, New Delhi has actively expanded its presence in the region to balance regional geopolitics, secure energy and mineral resources, and ensure political stability along its northern frontiers.Strategic Counterweight: Active engagement in Central Asia ensures India maintains strong diplomatic, security, and trade footprints in a region seeing growing foreign infrastructure investments.Resource Security: Central Asian nations hold vast reserves of uranium, natural gas, gold, and rare earth elements critical for India’s high-tech manufacturing and green energy transitions.Regional Counter-Terrorism: Stabilizing the security climate post-Taliban takeover in Afghanistan remains vital for both India and Central Asian republics, making counter-terrorism collaboration an ongoing intelligence priority.As Prime Minister Modi’s tour unfolds across Tashkent and Bishkek, India’s diplomatic push underscores a clear objective: establishing a robust, sustainable corridor of economic partnership and strategic stability across Eurasia.Also Read :- PM Modi Says India Can Quickly Rise in Global Space Sector
