PM Modi Begins Two-Nation Tour With Uzbekistan Visit, Heads to Tashkent

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Uzbekistan on Saturday, beginning the two-nation visit that will also take him to the Kyrgyz Republic for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. PM Modi received a warm welcome from Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev after landing in Tashkent. The two leaders shook hands and exchanged hugs at the airport. During his stay in Uzbekistan, PM Modi is scheduled to hold delegation-level talks with Mirziyoyev to discuss ways to further strengthen the India-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership. In his departure statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the strategic partnership between the two countries had made significant progress in recent years. PM Modi Pays Tribute at Yangi Uzbekistan Park Soon after his arrival, PM Narendra Modi laid a wreath at Yangi Uzbekistan Park in Tashkent, with President Mirziyoyev accompanying him during the ceremony. The park is one of the largest public parks in Uzbekistan. It was inaugurated on August 31, 2021, to mark the 30th anniversary of the country's independence. The visit marks Modi's fourth trip to Uzbekistan, following his earlier visits in 2015, 2016 and 2022. During the visit, PM Modi is also scheduled to visit the Shastri Memorial in Tashkent and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies. Trade, Energy and Defence on Talks Agenda According to the Prime Minister's Office, PM Modi's talks with Mirziyoyev will focus on strengthening cooperation in several areas, including digital connectivity, energy, trade and investment, education, defence and people-to-people ties. The two leaders are also expected to discuss priorities for future cooperation and exchange views on their respective development goals under Viksit Bharat 2047 and Uzbekistan-2030. PM Modi's Uzbekistan visit is scheduled for August 29-30. PM Narendra Modi to Attend SCO Summit in Bishkek After completing his Uzbekistan engagements, PM Modi will travel to Bishkek in the Kyrgyz Republic, where he will attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit. The Kyrgyz Republic visit is scheduled from August 31 to September 1 and follows an invitation from the President of Kyrgyzstan. The two-nation tour is aimed at strengthening India's ties with the Central Asian region and advancing cooperation on areas of mutual interest. Also Read: Assam Cabinet Approves Rs 50,000 Crore Development Package