PM Modi attends SCO Summit in Kyrgyzstan, strengthens ties with Uzbekistan

Hindustan Times - India · 31 Aug 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · International relations Mains · GS2 International relations High relevance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kyrgyzstan to attend the 26th SCO Summit, following a strategic visit to Uzbekistan where bilateral ties were elevated to a strategic partnership and a long-term uranium supply agreement was signed.

Key points

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit: PM Modi attended the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, focusing on security, connectivity, and opportunity, aligning with India's regional strategic interests.

India-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership: The visit to Uzbekistan elevated bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, covering trade, defence, digital connectivity, and energy, reflecting India's 'Central Asia Connect' policy.

Uranium Supply Agreement: India and Uzbekistan signed a long-term uranium supply deal, crucial for India's energy security and nuclear power ambitions.

Cultural Diplomacy: PM Modi visited the Shastri Memorial and Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Tashkent, reinforcing historical and cultural ties between India and Uzbekistan.

Diaspora Engagement: PM Modi interacted with the Indian diaspora in both Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, highlighting soft power and people-to-people connections.

Digital Connectivity: The rollout of UPI in Uzbekistan marks a step towards financial integration and ease of transactions for Indian expatriates and businesses.

Defence Cooperation: PM Modi advocated for co-production and co-development in defence industries, aligning with India's 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives.

[GS3-Economy] The uranium deal and UPI rollout underscore India's economic diplomacy in Central Asia, crucial for energy security and digital infrastructure exports.

Way Forward: India should institutionalize strategic partnerships with Central Asian nations through regular high-level visits, joint working groups on energy and defence, and enhanced cultural exchanges to deepen regional influence.

Key terms

Uranium Supply Agreement

A pact ensuring long-term supply of uranium for nuclear power plants. For UPSC, it is relevant to India's energy security and its commitments under the Paris Agreement to reduce carbon emissions.

Central Asia Connect Policy

India's foreign policy initiative to strengthen ties with Central Asian countries through connectivity, trade, and cultural exchanges. For UPSC, it reflects India's 'Extended Neighborhood' policy and counter to China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

A Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance founded in 2001, including China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and Central Asian states. For UPSC, it is significant as a platform for India to engage with Central Asia and counterbalance Chinese influence in the region.

Strategic Partnership

A long-term relationship between countries focusing on mutual interests in defence, trade, and technology. For UPSC, it highlights India's foreign policy priorities and multi-alignment strategy in a multipolar world.