International Relations

PM Modi to Visit Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan for Bilateral Talks and SCO Summit

28 August 2026UPSCSSCBank

In Brief

Participate in the Bishkek SCO Summit and hold bilateral talks to deepen Central Asian geopolitical ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a diplomatic visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan from August 29 to September 1, 2026. The itinerary includes bilateral discussions in Tashkent aimed at boosting trade and security cooperation, followed by participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State Summit in Bishkek.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, established in 2001, is a major Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance. India became a full member alongside Pakistan at the Astana Summit in 2017. Engagement with Central Asian republics forms the cornerstone of India's 'Connect Central Asia' policy, aimed at securing energy access, strengthening counter-terrorism frameworks, and developing trade routes like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) bypassing Pakistan.

Key focus areas during the summit include regional security, connectivity via Chabahar Port, and counter-terrorism initiatives under the SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS). Trade between India and Central Asian nations currently stands below potential at approximately $2 billion annually, primarily due to land connectivity bottlenecks, which India seeks to resolve through digital and transit infrastructure agreements.

This visit is highly relevant for GS Paper 2 (Bilateral and Regional Groupings). Aspirants should focus on SCO founding members, RATS headquarters in Tashkent, the strategic significance of the Bishkek Declaration, and India's balancing act between Western alliances and Eurasian groupings like SCO and BRICS.

UPSC Study NotesHIGHGS2 — International Relations & Bilateral Groupings

GS2 — International Relations & Bilateral Groupings

📌 Exam Angle

UPSC will ask about SCO's role in regional security, India's membership benefits, and balancing act between Western partnerships and Eurasian alliances. Expect MCQs on SCO founding year (2001), India's admission year (2017), RATS headquarters location, or mains questions on "India's Central Asia strategy and challenges."

⚠️ Key Concerns

India's precarious position managing SCO alongside Pakistan amid Kashmir tensions and China's growing Eurasian dominance. Land connectivity bottlenecks limiting trade to $2 billion annually reveal India's geographic disadvantage in Central Asia compared to China's Belt and Road Initiative. SCO's effectiveness in counter-terrorism remains compromised by member nations' divergent strategic interests.

💡 Why It Matters

Central Asia is critical for India's energy security and counterbalancing China's influence in Eurasia. The 'Connect Central Asia' policy directly supports India's resource access and geopolitical positioning without overreliance on Western-centric alliances.

🔑 Must Remember

• SCO established 2001; India joined as full member at Astana Summit 2017 alongside Pakistan • RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure) headquarters in Tashkent is SCO's counter-terrorism pillar • INSTC bypasses Pakistan; Chabahar Port crucial for trade route alternatives to Chinese dominance

📝 Key Terms

Shanghai Cooperation OrganisationCentral Asia policyRATSChabahar PortINSTCBishkek DeclarationEurasian geopoliticscounter-terrorism frameworks

PM Modi to Visit Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan for Bilateral Talks and SCO Summit

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