PM Modi gets airport welcome from Uzbek President, the two leaders share a ride

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tashkent, where President Shavkat Mirziyoyev received him at the airport. The visit will focus on reviewing strategic cooperation and setting the agenda for future ties.Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives a warm welcome from Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent. (Source: X/narendramodi)Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday reached Tashkent, Uzbekistan, for a state visit aimed at further strengthening India's strategic partnership with the Central Asian country.Modi was received by Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev upon his arrival. The Prime Minister thanked Mirziyoyev for the "special gesture" and said this was his fourth visit to Uzbekistan, reflecting the "depth and growing momentum" of bilateral ties.During his visit, Modi will hold delegation-level talks with President Mirziyoyev. The two leaders are expected to review cooperation in key areas including trade and investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people ties, while setting an agenda for future cooperation.In a post on X, Modi said, "Landed in Tashkent to a warm welcome by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Grateful to him for the special gesture. This is my fourth visit to Uzbekistan, reflecting the depth and growing momentum of our bilateral relations." Earlier on Saturday, Modi had left New Delhi for a two-nation visit to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.Modi will be in Uzbekistan from August 29 to 30 before travelling to Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, where he will attend the 26th SCO Summit from August 30 to September 1. In his departure statement, Modi said India would seek to advance its vision for the SCO, anchored in "Security, Connectivity and Opportunity", and work with member countries towards a region free from terrorism, separatism and extremism."India has been an active and constructive member of the SCO since 2017. I look forward to advancing India's vision for the region, anchored in Security, Connectivity and Opportunity, and to working with fellow members for a region free from the scourge of terrorism, separatism and extremism," he said.Modi said his visit to Uzbekistan, at the invitation of President Mirziyoyev, would provide an opportunity to deepen bilateral cooperation and advance the shared visions of 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Yangi Uzbekistan'."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.During his stay in Tashkent, Modi will also visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, highlighting the cultural and people-to-people ties between India and Uzbekistan.From Tashkent, Modi will travel to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov to participate in the SCO summit, which marks 25 years of the organisation.He is also scheduled to meet President Zhaparov and other SCO leaders on the sidelines of the summit and attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games.Officials said Modi will address the SCO summit and highlight India's priorities of security, connectivity and opportunity. He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with several SCO leaders during the summit.- EndsWith PTI inputsPublished On: Aug 29, 2026 19:50 IST