Modi Heads to Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Another Summit, Another Suitcase

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to begin a four day visit to Central Asia from August 29, with stops in Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Modi will make a bilateral visit to Uzbekistan from August 29 to 30, before travelling to the Kyrgyz Republic for the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, scheduled for August 31 and September 1. Fourth visit to Uzbekistan Modi Uzbekistan visit will take place at the invitation of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and will be his fourth visit to the country. During his stay in Tashkent, Modi is expected to hold delegation level talks with President Mirziyoyev. The discussions are aimed at further strengthening the strategic partnership between India and Uzbekistan. The visit provides an opportunity for both sides to review their bilateral relationship and discuss areas where cooperation can be expanded. From bilateral talks to SCO diplomacy After completing his Uzbekistan programme, Modi will travel to the Kyrgyz Republic to participate in the 26th SCO Summit. The summit will bring together leaders from the SCO member states for discussions on regional and international issues. India's participation also provides an opportunity for New Delhi to engage with other major countries within the organisation on matters of strategic and regional importance. The sequence of the visit places bilateral diplomacy with Uzbekistan alongside India's engagement with the wider SCO framework. A busy four days for Indian diplomacy The tour therefore combines two distinct diplomatic objectives, strengthening India's relationship with Uzbekistan and participating in a major multilateral summit in the SCO framework. While the government has described the Uzbekistan visit as an effort to deepen the strategic partnership, the eventual significance of the trip will depend on the discussions, agreements and outcomes that emerge from the meetings. For now, Modi Central Asia itinerary is clear- Tashkent first, the SCO Summit next and four days of high-level diplomacy in between.