PM Narendra Modi flags ‘shared vision’ in Tashkent: Trade and culture to energy, defence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off a four-day state visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyz Republic by attending a state dinner with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent. The two leaders pledged to deepen cooperation across various sectors, including trade, tourism, health, energy, and defence, under a "shared vision". The visit marks the fourth time Modi has been to Uzbekistan, highlighting the growing momentum of bilateral relations.

Modi laid a wreath at the Yangi Uzbekistan Monument and later visited the Shastri Memorial and Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies. This is part of India's efforts to strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties with Uzbekistan.

The Prime Minister's discussions with Mirziyoyev will encompass a wide range of topics, including trade and investment, critical minerals, healthcare, business-to-business engagement, education, space, technology, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. With India being among Uzbekistan's top 10 trading partners, bilateral trade in 2025-26 is expected to reach close to US$1 billion.

Indian investment in the country is also significant, focusing on renewables, construction, pharmaceuticals, mining, IT, education, healthcare, engineering, textile, and agriculture.

During his stay, Modi is expected to participate in a yoga program at the Yoga Federation of Uzbekistan, which was established in 2018 and supported by India's Council of Cultural Relations. Uzbekistan has become the first Central Asian country to conduct yoga certification examinations under the Yoga Certification Board of India.