Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kyrgyzstan and visit Uzbekistan to strengthen strategic ties [1, 2].
This diplomatic push signals India's ambition to expand its influence and secure a more prominent role within Central Asia. By engaging with these regional partners, India aims to diversify its strategic partnerships and enhance economic connectivity in a critical geopolitical corridor.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to be in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, for the SCO summit from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1, 2024 [1]. Following the summit, Modi will travel to Uzbekistan to hold high-level discussions aimed at deepening bilateral relations [1, 2].
India's focus on the region involves a combination of security cooperation and trade expansion. The visit to Kyrgyzstan provides a platform for India to coordinate with other SCO member states on regional stability and counter-terrorism. The subsequent leg of the trip to Uzbekistan is intended to solidify strategic ties and explore new avenues for cooperation [1].
Central Asia has become an increasingly vital area for Indian foreign policy. The government is seeking to leverage these visits to ensure that India remains a key player in the regional architecture, a move that balances its interests across Eurasia [1].
Officials said the visits are part of a broader strategy to enhance India's footprint in the region. The timing of the SCO summit allows for multilateral engagement before the bilateral focus of the Uzbekistan trip [1, 2].
“India seeks a larger role in Central Asia”
India's strategic pivot toward Central Asia reflects a desire to reduce dependency on traditional trade routes and increase its geopolitical leverage. By strengthening ties with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, India is positioning itself as a stabilizing economic and security partner in a region often dominated by Russian and Chinese influence.
