PM Modi to visit Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan for SCO summit Aug 29
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a bilateral visit to Uzbekistan (Aug 29–30) and travel to Kyrgyzstan (Aug 31–Sep 1) to attend the SCO Summit in Bishkek, with a sidelines meeting with Putin anticipated. The MEA and officials outlined broader discussions on trade, security, and regional co
Key takeaways
- Modi will visit Uzbekistan for a bilateral engagement on Aug 29–30 and then travel to Kyrgyzstan for the SCO Summit on Aug 31–Sep 1.
- A meeting with Russian President Putin is anticipated on the SCO sidelines during the Bishkek gathering.
- The itinerary includes talks on trade, investment, defense, digital connectivity, energy, and people-to-people exchange.
What Happened
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to visit Uzbekistan for a bilateral engagement from August 29 to 30, followed by a trip to Kyrgyzstan for the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit from August 31 to September 1. A meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to occur on the SCO sidelines, during which the broader India–Russia relationship will be reviewed. Modi will address SCO discussions and participate in bilateral meetings with other SCO leaders on the sidelines of the summit, as announced by government officials.
The Uzbek leg of the visit is described as reaffirming a growing strategic partnership, with discussions anticipated across trade, investment, defense, digital connectivity, energy, education, and people-to-people ties. The Kyrgyz segment centers on the SCO gathering and associated regional cooperation themes.
Why It Matters
The visit reinforces India’s engagement with Central Asia and highlights ongoing efforts to deepen multilateral and bilateral ties within the SCO framework. Officials emphasise advancing security, connectivity, and development agendas, while also mapping collaboration under broader national visions for the coming decade.
Background
India has been a full member of the SCO since 2017. Modi’s visit to Uzbekistan would mark his fourth visit there and his second bilateral visit, underscoring long-standing and expanding cooperation. Uzbekistan stands as a significant partner with shared interests in trade and regional stability.
The SCO Summit in Bishkek will mark the organisation’s 25th anniversary, and the summit focus includes security, development, and regional prosperity. The Indian government has framed the gathering as a platform to outline priorities in security, connectivity, and opportunity.
Key Facts
- Dates: Uzbekistan visit August 29–30, Kyrgyzstan trip August 31–September 1, 2026.
- Destinations: Tashkent (Uzbekistan) for bilateral talks; Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) for the SCO Summit.
- Purpose: bilateral discussions in Uzbekistan and participation in the 26th SCO Summit in Kyrgyzstan.
- Scheduled meetings: Modi–Putin meeting on SCO sidelines; delegation-level talks with Uzbekistan’s President; bilateral exchanges with other SCO leaders.
- Expected topics: trade and investment, defense, digital connectivity, energy, education, and people-to-people links.
- Cultural engagements: Shastri Memorial and Gandhi Centre visits; opening ceremony of the World Nomad Games.
- India’s SCO status: member since 2017; 25th SCO anniversary marked at the Bishkek summit.
- Trade context: bilateral trade and investments with Uzbekistan approaching USD 1 billion.
What Happens Next
Modi will conduct delegation-level talks with Uzbekistan’s leadership in Tashkent, followed by travel to Kyrgyzstan for the SCO Summit. He is expected to address the SCO gathering and hold bilateral meetings with fellow leaders on the sidelines of the summit, with further discussions likely on security, connectivity, and development initiatives.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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