Kashmir Impulse Desk
New Delhi, Aug 29
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday he would use the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek to advance India’s priorities of security, connectivity and opportunity and work with member states to counter terrorism, separatism and extremism.
Modi made the remarks ahead of a two-nation visit to Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic from August 29 to September 1, saying the trip would strengthen India’s strategic partnerships in Central Asia and deepen its ties with the region.
“India has been an active and constructive member of the SCO since 2017,” he said in a departure statement.
The PM said India would work with fellow members for a region free of threats that undermine peace and stability.
He was due to visit Tashkent on August 29-30 at the invitation of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for talks on trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence and energy.
Modi said the two sides would also discuss their respective development visions, “Viksit Bharat” and “Yangi Uzbekistan”.
He was also scheduled to visit the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies.
From Uzbekistan, Modi will travel to Bishkek to attend the 26th SCO summit at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov. The summit marks 25 years of the organisation.
Modi said he would meet Zhaparov and other SCO leaders and attend the opening ceremony of the sixth World Nomad Games.
Officials said Modi would address the summit and hold bilateral meetings with other SCO leaders on its sidelines.
