Prime Minister Narendra Modi has left for his four-day visit to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic this morning. In his departure statement, Mr Modi expressed confidence that his visit to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic will strengthen India’s strategic partnerships in Central Asia and deepen the civilisational connection with the region. He said that in recent years, the India-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership has seen significant advancement.

The Prime Minister said that he is looking forward to having discussions with the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, on further deepening cooperation in trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence, and energy, and on advancing the shared visions of Viksit Bharat and Yangi Uzbekistan. Mr Modi said that he will also visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, which is a tribute to the close cultural and people-to-people ties that bind the two countries.

The Prime Minister said that at the invitation of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Zhaparov, he will travel to Bishkek to participate in the 26th SCO Summit. Mr Modi said that he is looking 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 the neighbourhood and beyond. The Prime Minister said that during his visit to the Kyrgyz Republic, he will also meet President Zhaparov and other SCO leaders and will attend the Opening Ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games.