Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Why Modi Is Visiting Uzbekistan Before the SCO Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is planning a trip to Central Asia in 2026.
He will first visit Uzbekistan for talks with its leaders.
He will then travel to the Kyrgyz Republic for a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
India wants closer relationships with countries in Central Asia.
The region has important supplies of uranium, gold, natural gas, and other resources.
India also wants to improve trade routes and cooperate on security after the Taliban’s rise in Afghanistan.
China has invested heavily in the region, so India wants to remain involved there.
India and Uzbekistan also have old cultural connections dating back centuries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic from August 29 to September 1, 2026.
The visit aims to strengthen India’s strategic partnerships, economic and security cooperation, and regional stability in Central Asia.
Modi will hold a bilateral visit to Uzbekistan from August 29 to 30 before attending the SCO Summit in the Kyrgyz Republic.
India’s interests in Central Asia include minerals, energy, connectivity, trade, counterterrorism, and responding to China’s growing regional influence.
India and Uzbekistan share longstanding cultural links, including the Buddhist monastery at Kara Tepa in Termez.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the governments of India, Uzbekistan, and the Kyrgyz Republic.
- What
- A four-day Central Asia visit involving a bilateral visit to Uzbekistan and attendance at the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit.
- When
- August 29 to September 1, 2026; Uzbekistan is scheduled for August 29-30 and the SCO Summit for August 31-September 1.
- Where
- Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic.
- Why
- To strengthen strategic, economic, security, connectivity, and cultural cooperation with Central Asia and advance regional peace and stability.
- Visit dates
- August 29 to September 1, 2026
- Uzbekistan visit
- August 29-30, as a bilateral visit
- SCO Summit
- August 31-September 1 in the Kyrgyz Republic
- Regional policy
- India’s engagement follows its Connect Central Asia policy
- Key resources
- Central Asia has uranium, gold, natural gas, coal, lead, zinc, iron ore, and hydropower potential
- Connectivity focus
- India seeks to link the International North-South Transport Corridor with Iran’s Chabahar port
- Cultural link
- Kara Tepa in Termez, Uzbekistan, is described as Central Asia’s only known Buddhist monastery