Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially departed for a multi-nation Central Asian tour covering Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. This trip marks Modi's return to Central Asia after a four-year gap. The tour centers around participation in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, bringing regional leaders together to address critical geopolitical and security concerns.
Strategic Itinerary and the SCO Summit
The Prime Minister's journey begins with an initial stop in Uzbekistan, before moving on to Kyrgyzstan to attend the high-profile SCO summit. This visit represents a significant diplomatic push by New Delhi into the Central Asian region.
While the formal agenda of the 26th SCO Summit encompasses regional economic integration and multilateral cooperation, diplomatic observers note that high-stakes bilateral interactions are also expected to take place on the sidelines. A meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin is on the cards during the summit.
Regional Security and Core Interests
Although comprehensive details regarding every closed-door bilateral session are still emerging, diplomatic analysts emphasize that regional security, the ongoing threat of terrorism, and the advancement of India's strategic interests are expected to dominate discussions in both Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. As the SCO brings together key Eurasian players, New Delhi's engagement is seen as vital for maintaining regional stability and securing transit corridors.