PM Modi Honors Lal Bahadur Shastri in Tashkent, Departs for Kyrgyzstan SCO Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his official visit to Uzbekistan, visited the capital city of Tashkent to pay his respects to India's second Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri. At the Shastri Memorial, PM Modi offered floral tributes, honoring the legacy of the late leader whose contributions remain a cornerstone of Indian history. The visit to the memorial was a poignant moment, reflecting the deep historical ties between India and Uzbekistan, particularly centered around the events of 1966.

Honoring the Legacy of Lal Bahadur Shastri

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the significance of this tribute, noting that Lal Bahadur Shastri's iconic slogan, 'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,' continues to inspire generations of Indians. The ministry emphasized that Shastri's life was a testament to simplicity, courage, and an unwavering dedication to the nation. It's a historical fact that Lal Bahadur Shastri passed away unexpectedly in Tashkent on January 11, 1966. This tragic event occurred just hours after the signing of the historic Tashkent Agreement, which was aimed at ending the 1965 India-Pakistan war. By visiting the memorial, PM Modi reaffirmed the respect India holds for Shastri's sacrifice and leadership on foreign soil.

Joint Tree Planting Ceremony

In a symbolic gesture of environmental cooperation, PM Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev jointly planted a tree in the gardens of the Koksaroy Presidential Palace. This act was part of India's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative and Uzbekistan's 'Yashil Makon' (Green) efforts. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that this step reflects the shared commitment of India and Uzbekistan toward nurturing a greener and more sustainable future. The tree-planting ceremony took place following delegation-level talks between the two leaders during PM Modi's two-day state visit.

Strengthening Bilateral Strategic Partnership

During the visit, PM Modi and President Mirziyoyev held extensive discussions aimed at strengthening the bilateral strategic partnership. ' A significant outcome of the meeting was the agreement to set a bilateral trade target of 5 billion US dollars by the year 2030. To achieve this, both leaders called for the organization of a business summit to deepen economic and investment ties.

Departure for Kyrgyzstan and SCO Summit

Following the conclusion of his engagements in Uzbekistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has departed for Kyrgyzstan, while he's scheduled to arrive in Bishkek today to participate in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit. PM Modi will be in Kyrgyzstan from August 31 to September 1, where he will engage with other world leaders to discuss regional security, economic cooperation, and other multilateral issues of importance.