India–Uzbekistan Green & Strategic Push: PM Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev planted a sapling in Tashkent, linking India’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” with Uzbekistan’s “Yashil Makon,” as both sides reiterated a drive toward sustainability. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: During Modi’s Uzbekistan visit, India and Uzbekistan upgraded ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, set a $5bn annual trade target by 2030, signed 11 agreements, and advanced long-term uranium supply talks plus defense, critical minerals, AI/digital connectivity (including UPI interoperability), health, education, and cultural cooperation. SCO Summit in Bishkek: Modi arrived in Kyrgyzstan for the 26th SCO summit, with leaders including Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin expected to meet on sidelines amid security, counter-terrorism, trade, energy, connectivity, and West Asia and Ukraine war concerns. Iran at the Table: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is set to meet Modi and other leaders in Bishkek, with the West Asia conflict likely to test SCO cohesion. Regional People-to-People Diplomacy: Xi Jinping landed in Bishkek, calling China–Kyrgyzstan cooperation a “golden period,” while Uzbekistan’s kok-boru teams arrived for the World Nomad Games. Uzbekistan–India Digital Payments: India and Uzbekistan agreed to move toward UPI interoperability for merchant payments in Uzbekistan, with rollout expected within a year. Political Backlash in India: AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi congratulated Modi on Uzbekistan’s top honor while attacking BJP rhetoric around Babur.