Narendra Modi Prepares to Visit Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, as reported by Indian media outlets following discussions in New Delhi between Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov and his Indian counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

Modi's trip to Kyrgyzstan will coincide with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, while his visit to Uzbekistan will be a distinct bilateral engagement.

During his visit to the Indian capital, Saidov also met with Indian President Droupadi Murmu. He stated that both nations agreed to commence preparations for the prime minister's forthcoming visit to Uzbekistan, anticipating that it will invigorate deeper bilateral cooperation. Saidov characterized India as a crucial strategic and trade ally for Uzbekistan in South Asia.

Bilateral trade has already surpassed US$1 billion, with both countries anticipating further expansion. Key areas of focus include enhancing market access, attracting investments, and fostering business collaborations. New sectors such as the mining industry and rare earth metals are receiving particular attention, alongside existing cooperation in energy, infrastructure, digital technology, healthcare, and education.

Jaishankar confirmed that their discussions encompassed energy, infrastructure, trade, defense, education, and culture, in addition to regional and multilateral agendas.

Saidov also indicated that the parties reviewed matters concerning the enhancement of transport and logistics connectivity and the implementation of prior agreements.

President Murmu underscored the profound historical, cultural, and civilizational bonds between the two nations, stemming from ancient trade routes. She highlighted potential areas for collaboration, including rare earth metals, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and information technology.

Defense collaboration remains a vital aspect of bilateral relations, with both countries regularly conducting joint military exercises known as "Dustlik."

Over 3,000 Uzbek specialists, officials, and students have completed training through Indian programs, while more than 16,000 Indian students are pursuing higher education in Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan also plays a significant role in India's transport initiatives, particularly within the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the port of Chabahar, serving as a crucial link between South Asia, Central Asia, and the broader Eurasian region.

The two nations also committed to mutual support on the international stage. India endorsed Uzbekistan's chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement for 2027–2029, and Jaishankar expressed gratitude to Tashkent for supporting India's chairmanship of BRICS.

This upcoming visit will mark Modi's fourth trip to Uzbekistan, following previous visits in 2015, for the SCO summit in Tashkent in 2016, and for the SCO summit in Samarkand in 2022.

Regarding the Kyrgyz leg of the journey, the primary focus will be on the SCO summit, with several bilateral meetings also scheduled within its framework.

Defense cooperation between India and Kyrgyzstan includes the training of Kyrgyz military personnel in Indian educational institutions, joint exercises, specialist exchanges, and collaborative research at the Kyrgyz-Indian Mountain Bio-Medical Research Centre in Bishkek.

India annually allocates approximately 100 slots for Kyrgyz citizens under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program. Modi last visited Kyrgyzstan in 2019, having previously visited in 2015.

The precise dates and detailed itinerary for the visits have not yet been finalized. Current information suggests the trip may occur during the last week of August, with both parties planning to finalize the schedule in the coming days.