PM Modi travels to Uzbekistan for SCO meeting; scheduled discussion with Putin expected.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Attend SCO Summit in Uzbekistan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a four-day visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan from August 29 to September 1, 2023. This trip includes attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, where leaders from member states will discuss regional security, economic cooperation, and emerging geopolitical challenges.

During the summit, PM Modi is expected to engage in discussions with various leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin. This meeting comes as both countries navigate a shifting global landscape marked by geopolitical tensions and energy security discussions, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

In addition to bilateral discussions with Russia, Modis agenda will likely cover a range of topics pertinent to regional stability, trade, and collaboration among SCO member states, which also include China, Pakistan, India, and several Central Asian nations. The SCO provides a platform for member countries to foster cooperation in multiple sectors, including defense, counter-terrorism, and cultural exchange.

Kyrgyzstan is expected to host additional meetings among the leaders during this trip. The SCO summit is seen as a significant opportunity for India to strengthen its ties with Central Asian nations, improve multilateral collaboration, and assert its role in the broader context of regional security and development.

The visit underscores Indias commitment to enhancing cooperation within the framework of the SCO and responding to the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region.