Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said he was looking forward to advancing India’s vision for the SCO, anchored in security, connectivity and opportunity, and to working with fellow members for a region free from the scourge of terrorism.
Ahead of his two-nation tour to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic from August 29 to September 1, the Prime Minister also said that he was confident that his visit will strengthen India’s strategic partnerships in Central Asia and deepen the civilisational connect with the region. The Prime Minister said that at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, he will visit Tashkent on August 29-30 for a State Visit to Uzbekistan. From Tashkent, at the invitation of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Zhaparov, the Prime Minister will travel to Bishkek to participate in the 26th SCO Summit, marking 25 years of this important organisation.
“I look forward to my discussions with President Mirziyoyev on further deepening our cooperation in trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence, energy, and on advancing our shared visions of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Yangi Uzbekistan’,” he said. “I also look forward to meeting President Zhaparov and other SCO leaders, and to attend the Opening Ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games, a celebration of the rich living heritage of Central Asia that India holds in deep respect,” he said. The prime minister will also hold bilateral meetings with the SCO leaders on the sidelines of the summit, they said.
