TASHKENT, August 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Uzbekistan’s capital Tashkent on Saturday, beginning a two day visit aimed at strengthening India’s strategic partnership with the Central Asian nation.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev received Prime Minister Modi at the airport, marking the beginning of his official engagements in the country. The two leaders exchanged greetings and are expected to hold detailed discussions on Sunday.

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold delegation level talks with President Mirziyoyev. The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation across several areas, including trade and investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education, healthcare and people to people relations.

India and Uzbekistan have maintained close diplomatic relations and have expanded cooperation in recent years. Both countries have also sought to increase economic engagement and strengthen connectivity with the wider Central Asian region.

The visit is expected to provide an opportunity for the two sides to review the progress of existing bilateral initiatives and identify new areas of cooperation. Several agreements and understandings are also expected to be announced during the visit.

Regional and international developments are likely to form part of the discussions between Modi and Mirziyoyev. The two sides are expected to exchange views on issues concerning regional peace, stability, security and economic cooperation.

During his stay in Tashkent, Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies. The engagements are expected to highlight the historical and cultural links between India and Uzbekistan.

Modi’s visit comes as India continues to strengthen its engagement with Central Asian countries. New Delhi has placed greater emphasis on expanding trade, investment, connectivity, energy cooperation and strategic partnerships across the region.

The Uzbekistan visit is the first leg of Modi’s four day Central Asia tour. Following his engagements in Tashkent, the Prime Minister will travel to Kyrgyzstan to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek.

The SCO summit is expected to bring together leaders of member countries for discussions on regional security, economic cooperation, connectivity and other issues of common interest.

The visit to Uzbekistan is therefore expected to give fresh momentum to India Uzbekistan relations while reinforcing India’s wider engagement with Central Asia.