PM Modi Embarks on Central Asia Tour to Strengthen Anti-Terror Agenda at SCO Summit

New Delhi, India Aug 29, 2026 ALN: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, embarked on a two-nation visit to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, where he will hold bilateral engagements and attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. This trip is significant as it reflects India's ongoing commitment to enhancing its presence and influence in Central Asia, a region that has been increasingly pivotal in the context of global security and economic dynamics.

In his departure statement, Modi expressed his commitment to advancing India’s vision for the SCO, which is anchored in security, connectivity, and opportunity. The SCO, established in 2001, includes China, Russia, and several Central Asian nations, and has increasingly focused on counter-terrorism, economic cooperation, and regional stability. In this context, Modi emphasized the importance of collaborating with fellow members to create a region free from terrorism, separatism, and extremism, which are seen as major threats to peace and stability not only in Central Asia but also in South Asia and beyond.

Modi will visit Uzbekistan from August 29-30 at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, before traveling to Bishkek in the Kyrgyz Republic for the 26th SCO Summit from August 30 to September 1. The choice of Uzbekistan as the first stop is indicative of the growing bilateral relations between India and Uzbekistan, particularly in sectors such as trade, energy, and security cooperation.

“India has been an active and constructive member of the SCO since 2017. I look forward to advancing India’s vision for the region, anchored in Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity, and to working with fellow members for a region free from the scourge of terrorism, separatism, and extremism, which continue to threaten peace and stability in our neighbourhood and beyond,” the Prime Minister stated. This statement underscores India's proactive approach in addressing regional challenges and its desire to play a leading role in fostering stability in Central Asia.

During his state visit to Uzbekistan, Modi is expected to hold talks with President Mirziyoyev to strengthen the India-Uzbekistan strategic partnership, particularly in areas such as trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence, and energy. The two nations have been working to enhance their economic ties, with India looking to increase its investments in Uzbekistan and collaborate on various projects, including those in the fields of renewable energy and infrastructure development.

The Prime Minister also expressed his eagerness to advance the shared visions of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) and “Yangi Uzbekistan” (New Uzbekistan). This alignment reflects a mutual interest in pursuing sustainable development and economic growth, which are crucial for both nations as they navigate the complexities of the global economy.

Modi is scheduled to visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, highlighting the cultural and people-to-people ties between India and Uzbekistan. Such cultural exchanges are vital in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening the historical connections that exist between the two countries, which date back centuries.

From Tashkent, Modi will travel to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov to participate in the SCO Summit, which marks 25 years of the regional organisation. The summit is expected to address pressing issues such as regional security, economic cooperation, and the impact of global challenges like climate change and pandemics on member nations.

Officials indicated that the Prime Minister will address the summit, focusing on India’s priorities of security, connectivity, and opportunity. He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with other SCO leaders on the sidelines of the summit, which could lead to enhanced cooperation on various fronts, including counter-terrorism initiatives. The SCO has been increasingly vocal about the need for collective action against terrorism, particularly in light of the evolving security landscape in Afghanistan.

Modi expressed anticipation for meeting President Zhaparov and other SCO leaders, as well as attending the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games. This event, which celebrates the cultural heritage of nomadic peoples, is an opportunity for India to engage with Central Asian cultures and promote tourism and cultural exchanges.

Confident that the visit will further strengthen India’s engagement with Central Asia, Modi noted that the trip would help deepen strategic partnerships and reinforce the civilisational ties India shares with the region. Central Asia is not only crucial for its natural resources but also serves as a strategic corridor for trade and connectivity between India and Europe, as well as between India and Russia.

He stated that these engagements would advance the shared pursuit of peace, stability, and prosperity—values that remain central to India’s global engagement. As the world grapples with various geopolitical tensions, India's proactive approach in Central Asia could serve as a model for balancing strategic interests with cooperative regional development. The outcomes of this visit and the SCO Summit could have lasting implications for India's foreign policy and its role in regional security architecture.