Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Tashkent on August 30 as part of his two-day state visit to Uzbekistan, with India-Uzbekistan cooperation in trade, investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy and education among the key areas under discussion. The visit, which began on August 29 at the invitation of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, is Modi’s fourth visit to Uzbekistan. 

The Prime Minister is holding delegation-level talks with President Mirziyoyev to review the progress of the India-Uzbekistan strategic partnership and set priorities for its next phase. The two sides are also expected to discuss ways to expand cooperation across several economic sectors and strengthen people-to-people ties. 

Trade and Investment

Trade and investment are among the central areas of the Tashkent discussions. According to the Uzbek government, the talks are expected to focus on expanding bilateral economic cooperation, with sectors including energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, mechanical engineering, chemicals and geology identified as potential areas for greater collaboration. 

The visit comes as both countries seek to deepen their strategic partnership through practical cooperation and new projects. Uzbekistan has also been developing its rare-earth sector, creating potential opportunities for technology, investment and industrial collaboration. 

Defence and Digital Ties

Defence and digital connectivity are also part of the bilateral agenda. The Indian government said the two leaders would review cooperation in defence and digital connectivity, alongside energy, education and other areas. Discussions are aimed at further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. 

The broader agenda also reflects India's interest in expanding its engagement with Central Asia through connectivity, technology and economic cooperation. Digital services and technology partnerships could provide additional avenues for closer India-Uzbekistan ties.

Shastri Memorial Visit

During his stay in Tashkent, Prime Minister Modi is expected to visit the Shastri Memorial, paying tribute to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. He is also scheduled to visit the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies. 

The visits carry significance for the historical and cultural relationship between India and Uzbekistan. Shastri died in Tashkent in January 1966 after signing the Tashkent Declaration with Pakistan following the 1965 India-Pakistan war.

Cultural and People Ties

Education and people-to-people relations are another component of India's engagement with Uzbekistan. More than 16,000 Indian students are currently studying in Uzbekistan, while Indian university campuses have also been established in the country, according to recent reporting on the bilateral relationship. 

Both governments have also highlighted cultural and humanitarian exchanges as an important part of strengthening the strategic partnership.

Modi to Travel to Kyrgyzstan

After completing his Uzbekistan visit on August 30, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to travel to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where he will participate in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit from August 31 to September 1. 

The SCO summit marks the 25th anniversary of the organisation. India, which became a full member of the grouping in 2017, is expected to highlight its priorities of security, connectivity and opportunity during the summit. Modi is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with other SCO leaders on the sidelines of the gathering. 

The Uzbekistan leg of the tour is therefore being seen as an important bilateral component of the Prime Minister’s wider Central Asia engagement, with the focus on strengthening strategic ties and translating existing cooperation into new areas of economic, technological and security partnership.