PM Modi lands in Uzbekistan on two-nation visit, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev receives him | India News - Hindustan Times

**Prime Minister Narendra Modi lands in Uzbekistan for a two‑nation visit, greeted by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev**

New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down at Tashkent International Airport on Tuesday, marking the start of a two‑day official visit to Uzbekistan that runs in parallel with his participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Samarkand. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev received the Indian leader in a formal ceremony, and the two heads of state proceeded to the presidential palace for a working lunch. The agenda includes discussions on deepening bilateral trade, expanding connectivity projects such as the International North‑South Transport Corridor, and enhancing cooperation in energy, defence, and digital technologies. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to boosting people‑to‑people contact, with Modi noting his “happiness at the enthusiasm of young friends from Uzbekistan,” a nod to burgeoning academic and cultural exchanges.

The visit comes at a pivotal moment for India’s foreign policy, as it seeks to consolidate its position within the SCO ahead of the upcoming BRICS summit and the contested United Nations Security Council (UNSC) election. Analysts note that Modi’s engagements in Central Asia are intended to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the region while showcasing India’s willingness to contribute to regional security, counter‑terrorism, and economic integration. In his talks with Mirziyoyev, Modi is expected to emphasize India’s support for Uzbekistan’s development goals, including investments in pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and infrastructure, as well as cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative’s complementary projects.

The two‑nation tour will conclude on Thursday, after a scheduled visit to the historic city of Samarkand for the SCO summit, where Modi is slated to meet leaders from Russia, China, and other member states. The itinerary also includes a brief stop in Tajikistan before he returns to India, underscoring a broader strategy to strengthen ties with Central Asian republics. Both governments have indicated that a joint communiqué will be issued, highlighting agreements on trade facilitation, visa‑free travel for business delegations, and collaborative research in space and defence technologies.