PM Modi begins visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, eyes deeper ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a two-nation visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on August 29, 2026, with New Delhi seeking to deepen strategic, economic and security cooperation with key partners in Central Asia.
Before his departure, Modi said he was confident that his engagements during the visit would further strengthen India's partnerships in the region. His tour will begin in Tashkent, where he is scheduled to meet Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for bilateral discussions on August 29 and 30. He will then travel to Bishkek to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on August 31 and September 1. Modi described his Uzbekistan programme as an opportunity to further advance the longstanding friendship between the two countries. He is also scheduled to visit the Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies.
The India-Uzbekistan relationship has historical roots stretching back centuries. India was among the first countries to recognise Uzbekistan as a sovereign state following its independence. Diplomatic relations were formally established on March 18, 1992, while the two countries elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership in 2011.
Modi has previously visited Uzbekistan in 2015, 2016 and 2022. Mirziyoyev travelled to India in 2018 and 2019. The two leaders last met in person on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan in October 2024 and spoke by telephone in August 2025. Economic cooperation is expected to be a major focus of the visit. India and Uzbekistan are working to expand bilateral trade, which currently stands at around $1.5 billion. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said the two sides aim to raise trade to approximately $3 billion within the next three years, while also exploring the possibility of a free trade agreement.
Indian exports to Uzbekistan include pharmaceuticals, machinery, vehicle components, mobile phones and optical equipment. Uzbekistan supplies India with products including fruits and vegetables, fertilisers, extracts and lubricants.
Investment opportunities are also expanding. Uzbekistan has encouraged Indian companies to explore sectors such as mining, metallurgy, chemicals, energy, pharmaceuticals, automobiles and digital infrastructure. Cooperation in critical minerals, healthcare, information technology and emerging technologies is gaining importance.
Around 400 Indian companies are reportedly operating in Uzbekistan, with projects worth more than $5 billion, highlighting the growing commercial relationship. Security and defence will also feature prominently in the bilateral relationship. The two countries conduct the joint military exercise DUSTLIK, aimed at improving interoperability and sharing operational experience. The sixth edition of the exercise was held in India in April 2025.
With an estimated Indian community of about 18,500 people in Uzbekistan-including students, workers and business professionals-the visit is also expected to reinforce people-to-people ties.
Modi's participation in the SCO Summit in Bishkek will provide an additional platform for discussions on regional security, connectivity, trade and cooperation among Central Asian and other member states.
