PM Modi Uzbekistan Visit LIVE: PM departs for Kyrgyzstan, will take part in SCO Summit in Bishkek | Hindustan Times - Hindustan Times

**Prime Minister Narendra Modi Departs Uzbekistan for SCO Summit in Kyrgyzstan**

New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a two‑day state visit to Uzbekistan on Friday, departing Tashkent for Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where he will attend the 23rd summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The trip, which began on Thursday, featured high‑level talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, a joint press conference, and the signing of a series of agreements covering trade, defence, energy and cultural cooperation. Modi’s itinerary includes a bilateral meeting with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov before the summit, which brings together the eight SCO member states and several dialogue partners to discuss regional security, economic integration and connectivity.

During the Uzbek visit, President Mirziyoyev conferred on Modi Uzbekistan’s highest state award for foreign leaders, recognising his role in deepening Indo‑Uzbek ties. The two leaders also elevated their bilateral relationship to a **Comprehensive Strategic Partnership**, a status that paves the way for expanded collaboration in critical sectors. Notably, the two sides signed a long‑term agreement on the supply of enriched uranium, signalling a new chapter in India’s nuclear fuel security, and a memorandum of understanding on joint defence exercises and technology transfer. Trade delegations highlighted a target to double bilateral merchandise exchange to **$7 billion** within five years, with particular focus on pharmaceuticals, information technology, and agricultural products.

The move comes at a time when New Delhi is seeking to broaden its strategic footprint in Central Asia, a region traditionally dominated by Russia and China. By strengthening ties with Uzbekistan and engaging actively in the SCO, India aims to diversify its energy sources, secure critical raw materials, and promote connectivity along the International North‑South Transport Corridor. Analysts say the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership could serve as a model for India’s outreach to other Central Asian republics, while the SCO summit provides a platform to advance shared concerns such as counter‑terrorism, climate resilience and the promotion of multilateral trade frameworks.