Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Uzbekistan on Saturday, marking the beginning of a significant diplomatic mission to Central Asia. The visit is structured in two primary phases, starting with a bilateral visit to Uzbekistan from August 29 to August 30. Following this, the Prime Minister will travel to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit scheduled from August 30 to September 1. Before leaving India, the Prime Minister expressed his commitment to advancing India's vision for the organization and working closely with member states to create a region free from the menace of terrorism.
Vision for a Terror-Free Region
In his departure statement, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the need for a region that's liberated from the curses of terrorism, separatism, and extremism. He noted that these challenges continue to pose a persistent threat to peace and stability, not only in India's immediate neighborhood but also in other parts of the world. The Prime Minister highlighted that India has been an active and constructive member of the SCO since 2017. He expressed his eagerness to promote India's perspective on security, connectivity, and opportunity, aiming to build a collaborative environment with fellow member nations.
Strengthening Ties with Uzbekistan
The first leg of the journey takes the Prime Minister to Tashkent at the invitation of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Prime Minister Modi pointed out that the India-Uzbekistan strategic partnership has seen remarkable progress in recent years. During his stay on August 29 and 30, he looks forward to discussing measures to further strengthen cooperation in vital sectors such as trade and investment, digital connectivity, defense, and energy. These discussions are intended to align with the shared vision of 'Viksit Bharat' and 'New Uzbekistan'.
Cultural and Historical Tributes in Tashkent
Beyond political and economic discussions, the visit to Uzbekistan holds deep cultural significance. Prime Minister Modi announced that he would visit the Shastri Memorial in Tashkent to pay his respects. On top of that, he will visit the Mahatma Gandhi Center located at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies. He described these sites as symbols of the close cultural and people-to-people ties that have long existed between the two nations, reinforcing the civilizational connection that India shares with Central Asia.
The 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek
From Tashkent, the Prime Minister will proceed to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov. This visit is centered around the 26th SCO Summit, a landmark event as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of the organization's establishment. Prime Minister Modi stated that he's looking forward to meeting President Japarov and other SCO leaders to discuss regional cooperation, while he will also attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games, an event that celebrates the vibrant heritage of Central Asia, which India holds in high regard.
Bilateral Engagements and Strategic Priorities
During the SCO Summit, Prime Minister Modi is expected to deliver an address outlining India's priorities regarding security, connectivity, and economic opportunities, while officials have indicated that the Prime Minister will also take advantage of the summit as a platform for bilateral meetings with leaders of other SCO member states on the sidelines of the main event. These meetings are seen as crucial for deepening India's strategic footprint in the region and ensuring that the collective efforts for peace, stability, and prosperity are moved forward effectively.