New Delhi, Aug 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said he looked forward to advancing India’s vision for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), centred on security, connectivity and opportunity, while working with member countries to build a region free from terrorism, separatism and extremism.
Modi made the remarks ahead of his two-nation visit to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic from August 29 to September 1. He said the visit would strengthen India’s strategic partnerships in Central Asia and further deepen the country’s civilisational and people-to-people ties with the region.
In his departure statement, the Prime Minister said India has remained an active and constructive member of the SCO since joining the grouping in 2017.
“I look forward to advancing India’s vision for the region, anchored in Security, Connectivity and Opportunity, and to working with fellow members for a region free from the scourge of terrorism, separatism and extremism,” Modi said.
He noted that these threats continue to pose challenges to peace and stability in the neighbourhood and beyond.
At the invitation of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Modi will visit Tashkent on August 29-30 for a State Visit. He said India-Uzbekistan strategic ties have witnessed significant progress in recent years.
During his talks with Mirziyoyev, Modi said he would seek to further strengthen cooperation in trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence and energy, while advancing the shared visions of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Yangi Uzbekistan’.
The Prime Minister will also visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, highlighting the longstanding cultural and people-to-people ties between India and Uzbekistan.
From Tashkent, Modi will travel to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov to attend the 26th SCO Summit, which marks 25 years of the organisation.
Modi is also scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games, which celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Central Asia.
Officials said the Prime Minister will address the SCO summit and outline India’s priorities of security, connectivity and opportunity. He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with other SCO leaders on the sidelines of the summit.
