PM Modi receives ceremonial welcome in Tashkent, holds talks with Uzbekistan President Mirziyoyev

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a ceremonial welcome in Tashkent on Sunday in the presence of Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev as he continued his two-day state visit aimed at strengthening India’s engagement with the Central Asian nation. Modi arrived in the Uzbek capital on Saturday, with Mirziyoyev personally receiving him at the airport in a special diplomatic gesture. The two leaders travelled together from the airport and later held a dinner meeting. The Prime Minister is on his fourth visit to Uzbekistan and the first leg of a two-nation Central Asian tour that will also take him to Kyrgyzstan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

Focus on strategic partnership

Modi and Mirziyoyev are holding delegation-level talks to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and identify new areas for cooperation. Trade and investment, defence, energy, digital connectivity, education and people-to-people exchanges are among the major areas on the agenda. The two sides are also looking to align aspects of their respective long-term development programmes — India's Viksit Bharat 2047 and Uzbekistan's development vision for 2030. India and Uzbekistan have expanded their strategic partnership in recent years, with cooperation spanning defence exercises, healthcare, education and economic engagement.

Tribute at Yangi Uzbekistan Park

Soon after arriving on Saturday, Modi visited Yangi Uzbekistan Park along with Mirziyoyev and laid a wreath at the Independence Monument. The Prime Minister described the monument as representing the aspirations and progress of the Uzbek people and said he was pleased to begin his visit there.

Modi also received a cultural welcome from members of the Indian community in Tashkent. The programme included Indian and Uzbek performances, including Kathak and the traditional Andijan Polka. Landmark buildings in the Uzbek capital were illuminated in the colours of the Indian Tricolour to mark the Prime Minister's visit.

Modi attends yoga programme

On Sunday, Modi participated in a programme organised by the Yoga Federation of Uzbekistan and interacted with participants. The event highlighted the growing popularity of yoga in Uzbekistan and its role in cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Modi is also expected to visit the Shastri Memorial in Tashkent and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies during his stay.

SCO Summit next

After concluding his Uzbekistan engagements, Modi will travel to Bishkek on August 31 to participate in the 26th SCO Summit. The summit, being held as the grouping marks its 25th anniversary, will see Modi outline India's priorities centred on security, connectivity and opportunity. He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with several leaders on the sidelines of the summit and attend the opening ceremony of the World Nomad Games before concluding his Central Asia tour.