PM Modi in Tashkent: Yoga, Diaspora Welcome and Key Talks With Mirziyoyev

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today attends a yoga programme organised by the Yoga Federation of Uzbekistan in Tashkent as part of his two-day state visit to the Central Asian country.

The Prime Minister is also sharing glimpses of his visit, including the warm welcome he received after arriving in Tashkent on Saturday.

In a post on X, PM Modi says, “A special welcome, wreath-laying at the Yangi Uzbekistan Monument and interaction with the Indian community...Here are highlights from yesterday in Tashkent.”

PM Modi attends yoga event in Uzbekistan

The yoga programme comes days after PM Modi highlighted India's growing soft power during his Independence Day address on August 15.

In his address, the Prime Minister described soft power as the seventh strength of Saptadhara and highlighted Yoga, handicrafts, films, animation, gaming, digital content and the broader creative sector as key areas of India's global influence.

Yoga has become an important element of India's cultural diplomacy and continues to feature prominently in India's international outreach.

PM Modi's Uzbekistan visit

PM Modi is on a two-day state visit to Uzbekistan from August 29 to 30, marking his fourth visit to the Central Asian nation.

He arrives in Tashkent on Saturday and receives a warm welcome from members of the Indian diaspora. Several landmark buildings across the Uzbek capital, including the iconic Hilton Hotel, are illuminated in the colours of the Indian national flag.

The Indian community also hosts a cultural programme featuring traditional dance performances and a fusion of Indian and Uzbek traditions.

PM Modi praises the performances in a post on X, highlighting a performance by the Bollywood Battle Group to Ude Jab Jab Zulfein Teri, a fusion of Kathak with the Andijan Polka and a Kathak presentation by students of the Lal Bahadur Shastri Centre for Indian Culture.

“The community welcome in Tashkent was a delightful celebration of India-Uzbekistan cultural ties!” PM Modi says.

The Prime Minister also lays a wreath at Yangi Uzbekistan Park, where he is accompanied by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

PM Modi, Shavkat Mirziyoyev to hold talks today

PM Modi is scheduled to hold delegation-level talks with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Sunday as the two countries look to further strengthen their strategic partnership.

The discussions are expected to cover trade and investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people ties. The two leaders are also expected to set the agenda for the future of India-Uzbekistan relations.

PM Modi's fourth visit to Uzbekistan

This is PM Modi's fourth visit to Uzbekistan. He previously visited the country in 2015 and made subsequent visits in 2016 and 2022 to attend SCO Summits.

India and Uzbekistan have expanded bilateral and multilateral cooperation in recent years. President Mirziyoyev paid a State Visit to India in 2018 and participated in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in 2019.

After his Uzbekistan visit, PM Modi is scheduled to travel to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov. He will participate in the 26th SCO Summit, which marks 25 years of the organisation.

(With inputs from ANI)