Prime Minister Modi Embarks on Central Asia Tour to Deepen Trade, Energy Ties, and Regional Security Architecture

NEW DELHI/TASHKENT — Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off a high-stakes four-day diplomatic tour of Central Asia on Saturday, aiming to expand economic cooperation, secure critical mineral supply chains, and reinforce regional security partnerships.

The opening leg of the itinerary features a state visit to Tashkent, where Modi is scheduled for comprehensive, delegation-level talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Discussions are centered on elevating bilateral commerce beyond the current $1 billion baseline, focusing heavily on pharmaceuticals, digital public infrastructure, information technology, and joint ventures in energy and critical minerals. Both leaders will align long-term national growth frameworks, connecting India's "Viksit Bharat 2047" vision with the "Uzbekistan-2030" strategy.

Following his bilateral engagements in Uzbekistan, Modi will travel to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to participate in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, which coincides with the bloc's silver jubilee anniversary. Addressing the summit, the Indian leader is expected to emphasize core themes of security, connectivity, and economic opportunity while addressing ongoing counter-terrorism challenges emanating from the broader Eurasian neighborhood.

High-level diplomatic sidelines in Bishkek will feature bilateral meetings with key regional counterparts, including a confirmed session with Russian President Vladimir Putin to review bilateral economic and defense coordination. Modi's itinerary also blends strategic diplomacy with cultural outreach, including visits to historical landmarks in Tashkent and participation in the opening ceremonies of the 6th World Nomad Games.