Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies this month as part of an official state visit to Uzbekistan [1].
The visit underscores India's effort to deepen strategic ties with Central Asian nations through soft power, focusing on educational exchange and cultural diplomacy.
During the visit in August 2026 [2], Modi said education and people-to-people connections are important [3]. The Prime Minister said academic partnerships can serve as a foundation for broader bilateral cooperation between the two nations [3].
Modi's engagement with the university focused on the role of culture in bridging the gap between India and Uzbekistan [3]. By visiting an institution dedicated to Oriental studies, the Prime Minister signaled a commitment to mutual understanding and the preservation of shared historical links, a key component of India's regional outreach strategy [3].
Ahead of the state visit, Modi said a video tribute in Hindi created by Uzbek youth was laudable [4]. This gesture highlighted the growing interest in Indian language and culture within Uzbekistan and served as a precursor to the formal university visit [4].
The diplomatic mission aimed to strengthen the strategic partnership through a combination of high-level political dialogue and grassroots cultural engagement [3]. By focusing on the youth and academic sectors, India seeks to ensure that the relationship between the two countries extends beyond trade and security into the realm of intellectual and cultural exchange [3].
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies this month.”
This visit reflects India's 'Connect Central Asia' policy, which seeks to diversify its strategic partnerships. By prioritizing educational institutions and cultural tributes, India is leveraging cultural diplomacy to build long-term influence in a region traditionally dominated by other global powers.
