Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Uzbekistan on Saturday for a two-day state visit aimed at strengthening economic and strategic ties before travelling to neighbouring Kyrgyzstan for a Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit.
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev welcomed Modi at Tashkent-Humo International Airport, where a guard of honour was held. The two leaders later visited Yangi Uzbekistan Park and laid flowers at the Independence Monument.
Modi and Mirziyoyev are due to hold delegation-level talks on Sunday, focusing on trade and investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people ties. Uzbekistan has said the talks will also cover healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, geology and other economic sectors, with a package of bilateral agreements expected to be signed.
The visit is Modi’s fourth to Uzbekistan and comes as the two countries seek to expand their strategic partnership.
Bilateral trade reached $1.3 billion in 2025, up around 33 per cent from the previous year, according to Indian government figures. The two sides agreed earlier this year to work towards doubling trade over the next three years.
Uzbekistan has also emerged as an important partner in India’s wider push to strengthen its presence in Central Asia, including through cooperation on energy, critical minerals, connectivity and security.
From Tashkent, Modi will travel to Bishkek for the 26th SCO summit on 31 August and 1 September, marking the organisation’s 25th anniversary.
Modi said ahead of the trip that India would promote its priorities of “security, connectivity and opportunity” and work with SCO members against terrorism, separatism and extremism.
The SCO includes India, China, Russia, Iran and several Central Asian states. Modi is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with other leaders on the sidelines of the gathering.
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