Modi Flags 'Shared Vision' In Tashkent: Trade And Culture To Energy, Defence, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced a four-day visit to Central Asia, starting with a two-day state visit to Uzbekistan.
• The visit aims to deepen cooperation across various sectors including trade, tourism, health, energy, and defence, as part of a "shared vision" with Uzbekistan.
• PM Modi held a dinner meeting with Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent, marking his fourth visit to the country.
• Following the Uzbekistan visit, PM Modi will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders' summit in Bishkek.
• Discussions will focus on advancing the shared visions of Viksit Bharat and Yangi Uzbekistan.

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Detailed Insights:

• India and Uzbekistan have elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership since 2011, with regular high-level interactions.
• Bilateral trade between India and Uzbekistan reached nearly US$1 billion in 2025-26, with Indian investments close to another $1 billion in diverse sectors.
• Key areas of cooperation include critical minerals, healthcare, digital connectivity, education, space, and technology.
• Cultural ties are strong, with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) supporting yoga programs and Hindi language promotion in Uzbekistan.
• Uzbekistan became the first Central Asian country to conduct yoga certification exams under the Yoga Certification Board (YCB) of the Ministry of AYUSH.
• Over 14,000 Uzbek nationals visited India for medical tourism, making Uzbekistan a significant source country for medical tourists.
• India and Uzbekistan also cooperate under the India-Central Asia framework, including summits and foreign ministers' dialogues.
• PM Modi visited the Yangi Uzbekistan Monument, symbolizing the aspirations and progress of the Uzbek people.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Strategic Partnership: A long-term, comprehensive relationship between two countries involving cooperation across political, economic, security, and cultural domains.
• Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO): A Eurasian political, economic, and security organization founded in 2001, aiming to strengthen mutual trust and cooperation among member states.
• Viksit Bharat: The Government of India's ambitious vision to transform India into a developed nation by 2047, encompassing economic prosperity, social advancement, and good governance.
• Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR): An autonomous organization under India's Ministry of External Affairs, founded in 1950, that promotes India's cultural diplomacy and exchanges globally.