Prime Minister Narendra Modi is travelling to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan from 29 August to 1 September 2026. He will make a state visit to Tashkent at the invitation of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, followed by a visit to Bishkek to attend a major regional summit. The tour aims to strengthen India’s ties with Central Asian nations on trade, security and cultural matters.
Details of the visit
The Prime Minister will spend 29 and 30 August in Tashkent for bilateral discussions with President Mirziyoyev. Key areas for cooperation include trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence and energy. During his stay, he will visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies.
From Tashkent, the Prime Minister will travel to Bishkek to take part in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. This gathering marks 25 years since the SCO was established. India has been a member of the SCO since 2017. The Prime Minister will also attend the Opening Ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games during his time in Bishkek, and hold meetings with President Sadyr Zhaparov and other SCO leaders.
What this means for you
India’s engagement with Central Asia through this high-level visit signals the government’s focus on the region as strategically important for Indian interests. The emphasis on fighting terrorism, separatism and extremism reflects concerns that affect South Asia and the broader region. For Indian businesses and students, deeper institutional ties with Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan may lead to expanded opportunities in trade, education and cultural exchange. The visit also underscores India’s role as an active player in regional security and stability discussions, particularly through the SCO platform where India works alongside Russia, China and Central Asian nations to address shared challenges.