Tashkent / New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Uzbek capital of Tashkent on an official two-day state visit, marking the first leg of his four-day diplomatic tour across Central Asia. In a special diplomatic gesture underlining the strong strategic partnership between the two nations, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev personally received Prime Minister Modi at the airport upon his arrival. Soon after the ceremonial reception, both leaders proceeded to the Yangi Uzbekistan Monument, where Prime Minister Modi laid a floral wreath to pay tribute to the nation's history and enduring friendship. For continuous reporting on diplomatic developments, international summits, and bilateral trade policy, explore our global affairs and foreign policy desk.

Tashkent Illuminated in Indian Tricolour and Cultural Exchange

Marking the high-profile visit, several iconic architectural landmarks and prominent buildings across Tashkent—including the prominent Hilton Hotel—were illuminated in the vibrant saffron, white, and green hues of the Indian national flag.

The arrival was celebrated with dynamic cultural performances showcasing civilisational and contemporary connections:

  • Kathak and Folk Fusion: Students from the Lal Bahadur Shastri Centre for Indian Culture in Tashkent delivered a refined Kathak recital.
  • Bollywood & Uzbek Folk Dance: The welcome programme featured an energetic fusion uniting classical Kathak rhythms with the traditional Uzbek Andijan Polka dance, alongside performances set to classic Hindi cinema tracks such as 'Ude Jab Jab Zulfein Teri'.

Indian Diaspora Welcome and Rakhi Celebrations

Hundreds of members from the Indian diaspora residing in Uzbekistan gathered at the venue to accord a festive reception to the Prime Minister. Coinciding with the festive occasion of Raksha Bandhan, women and girls from the expatriate community tied sacred Rakhis on the Prime Minister's wrist, sharing greetings and cultural camaraderie.

Uzbekistan is home to over 18,000 Indian nationals, including more than 16,000 Indian medical and higher education students enrolled across various universities and four Indian higher education campuses established in the country.

Bilateral Agenda: Trade, Digital Connectivity, and Energy

During his stay in Tashkent, Prime Minister Modi and President Mirziyoyev are holding delegation-level talks to review and broaden the multi-sectoral India–Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership. The bilateral dialogue focuses on key priorities:

  • Trade & Investment Expansion: Identifying fresh avenues to scale up bilateral commerce and enterprise cooperation in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, critical minerals, and agriculture.
  • Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Sharing frameworks for digital financial integration, fintech connectivity, and cybersecurity cooperation.
  • Defence & Energy Partnerships: Expanding joint military training, defense industrial collaboration, and clean energy transitions aligning with India's Viksit Bharat 2047 and the Uzbekistan-2030 development visions.
  • Heritage Sites: Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies.

Next Stop: 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek

Following the conclusion of his bilateral engagements in Uzbekistan, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to participate in the milestone 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit scheduled from August 31 to September 1, marking the 25th anniversary of the regional grouping.