Tashkent, August 30, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm and vibrant welcome from the Indian community in Tashkent after arriving in Uzbekistan for a two-day state visit aimed at further strengthening India’s strategic partnership with the Central Asian nation.

Modi arrived in Tashkent on August 29 at the invitation of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The Uzbek President personally received him at Tashkent-Humo International Airport, where the two countries’ national flags were displayed and a ceremonial guard of honour was accorded to the Indian Prime Minister.

Sharing his experience on social media, Modi described the reception from the Indian diaspora as a display of warmth and affection, highlighting the community’s role as a bridge between India and Uzbekistan.

Cultural performances mark Modi’s welcome

The reception brought together members of the Indian diaspora and Uzbek children in a celebration of the cultural ties between the two countries.

Modi witnessed performances of Kathak and Andijan Polka by members of the Indian community. Young children from Uzbekistan also performed to the popular Indian song Ude Jab Jab Zulfe Teri.

The Prime Minister also watched a musical fusion featuring the Indian tabla alongside traditional Uzbek instruments, including the Doira and Chang.

The cultural programme underlined the long-standing people-to-people and civilisational links between India and Central Asia.

Modi and Mirziyoyev visit Yangi Uzbekistan Park

Following his arrival, Modi accompanied President Mirziyoyev to Yangi Uzbekistan Park in Tashkent, where he laid a wreath at the Independence Monument.

The monument, established to commemorate Uzbekistan’s independence, represents the country’s aspirations and its national journey. The visit was among the first engagements of Modi’s current trip.

The Uzbek Presidency said the main programme of Modi’s state visit was scheduled for August 30.

Trade, defence and energy among key areas of talks

The most important part of Modi’s Uzbekistan visit is expected to be his delegation-level discussions with President Mirziyoyev.

According to the Government of India, the two leaders are set to review bilateral cooperation across several key areas, including trade and investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people relations. They are also expected to discuss the future agenda for the India-Uzbekistan strategic partnership.

The discussions will also look at the shared development visions of Viksit Bharat 2047 and Uzbekistan-2030, reflecting the two countries’ efforts to expand economic and developmental cooperation.

Fourth visit to Uzbekistan

This is Prime Minister Modi’s fourth visit to Uzbekistan. The Indian government has described the visit as an important opportunity to consolidate the progress made in bilateral relations in recent years.

The visit also carries wider strategic significance because of India’s growing engagement with Central Asia. Uzbekistan is an important regional partner for India, with cooperation extending beyond traditional diplomatic ties into areas such as connectivity, energy, security, technology and economic relations.

Next stop: Kyrgyz Republic for SCO Summit

Uzbekistan is the first leg of Modi’s four-day Central Asian visit.

After completing his programme in Tashkent, the Prime Minister is scheduled to travel to the Kyrgyz Republic from August 31 to September 1 to participate in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

The SCO engagement will provide another platform for India to discuss regional security, connectivity, economic cooperation and other issues affecting Central Asia and the wider Eurasian region.

Modi’s Uzbekistan visit, therefore, combines bilateral diplomacy with a broader Indian effort to strengthen its strategic engagement with Central Asia.