Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to undertake a four-day visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan beginning August 29, according to a statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. The trip aims to bolster bilateral relations and engage with regional multilateral frameworks.

Modi will first visit Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent, from August 29 to 30 at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. During this stop, the two leaders are scheduled to hold delegation-level discussions focused on enhancing their strategic partnership. Key areas for cooperation to be reviewed include trade and investment, defense, digital connectivity, energy, education, and people-to-people exchanges. The talks are expected to establish a roadmap for future collaboration.

Following his engagements in Uzbekistan, Modi will travel to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to attend the 26th summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov. The summit also marks the 25th anniversary of the SCO, a regional security and economic bloc. India has been a full member of the organization since 2017.

At the summit, Modi is anticipated to deliver a keynote address, outlining India’s priorities within the forum, which include enhancing security, promoting connectivity, and creating economic opportunities. His participation underlines India’s ongoing commitment to regional multilateral cooperation and its strategic interests in Central Asia.

The visit reflects India’s broader diplomatic outreach towards Central Asian nations, emphasizing mutual development and stability through dialogue and partnership. It also signals continued engagement with the SCO as a platform for addressing shared challenges and advancing regional integration.