PM Modi to undertake four-day visit to Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan

This visit underscores India's strategic engagement with Central Asia, a region crucial for its energy security and geopolitical interests. The bilateral talks with Uzbekistan, India's fourth visit, aim to deepen cooperation across various sectors like trade, defence, and digital connectivity, aligning with India's 'Connect Central Asia' policy. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), where India has been a full member since 2017, provides a vital platform for India to address regional security concerns, particularly countering terrorism, separatism, and extremism, which are primary goals of the organization. The focus on connectivity aligns with India's efforts to enhance trade routes like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and bypass Pakistan for access to Central Asia.

The presence of leaders from China, Russia, and Pakistan at the SCO summit highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play. The SCO serves as a forum for dialogue and cooperation among regional powers, but it also reflects underlying tensions and strategic rivalries. India's participation allows it to balance its relations with major powers while advancing its own strategic interests in the region. The bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit, such as the one with Russian President Vladimir Putin, are crucial for managing bilateral ties in the context of broader global geopolitical shifts and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The Prime Minister's visit also emphasizes the historical and cultural ties between India and Central Asia. The planned visits to the Lal Bahadur Shastri memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Tashkent highlight the shared heritage and values. Furthermore, attending the opening ceremony of the sixth World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan underscores India's appreciation for the rich cultural traditions of the region. These cultural exchanges are essential for fostering people-to-people connections and building a foundation for stronger diplomatic and economic relations.