AGP Executive Report

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev joined leaders in adopting the Bishkek Declaration, with the bloc pledging deeper cooperation on security, trade, technology, and a more rules-based global order. Terrorism & sanctions: India’s PM Modi pushed for a united message against the “double standards” in counter-terror efforts, calling for dismantling the “entire ecosystem of terrorism,” while the declaration also condemned attacks on Iran and rejected unilateral sanctions. Water diplomacy: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif warned that water must never be “weaponised,” echoing regional disputes and urging restraint. Uzbekistan-Russia ties: Mirziyoyev and Putin met in Bishkek to accelerate joint projects across industry, energy, transport, and regional cooperation. Uzbekistan-India cultural outreach: During Modi’s Uzbekistan stop, he backed cultural links including a “chess diplomacy” gift—Sindarov’s World Cup scoresheet to Mirziyoyev—and urged translating the Thirukkural into Uzbek. Local governance & society: Mirziyoyev’s Knowledge Day message highlighted education reforms and the push toward IT, creativity, sports, and vocational growth. Sports: Uzbekistan also featured in regional judo success, with Uzbek judoka winning medals at the Lausanne Grand Slam.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev used the SCO Plus track to argue for “multipolarity” that expands cooperation, proposing interregional project banks and a stronger role for UN-led coordination. Counterterror & Security: India’s PM Narendra Modi pressed SCO members to dismantle the “ecosystem of terrorism” and reject “double standards,” while SCO leaders backed an inclusive approach for Afghanistan aimed at lasting peace. Water as a Red Line: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif told the summit water must “never be weaponised,” stressing treaties like the Indus Waters Treaty must be honored. Uzbek-India Economic Push: Modi’s visit to Tashkent and Kyrgyzstan produced a target to lift bilateral trade to $5bn by 2030 and renewed focus on long-term uranium supply and critical minerals. China-Uzbek Cooperation: Xi Jinping said China is ready to help Uzbekistan usher in a “golden decade,” highlighting the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and digital/AI cooperation. Defense Procurement: Uzbekistan confirmed it has bought China’s J-10CE fighter jets, signaling a shift beyond traditional Russian platforms. Cross-border Payments: UPI is expanding into Uzbekistan via UZQR, enabling Indian travelers to pay with UPI-enabled apps. Tashkent Logistics: DP World and Tashkent Invest plan a $288m multimodal dry port in Tashkent, with construction slated to start in October. Migration Law Draft: Uzbekistan is considering up to 15 years for organizing illegal migration for profit, with public discussion until Sept 8.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met China’s Xi Jinping on SCO sidelines, with Xi backing a “golden decade” and urging high-quality delivery of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway plus new cooperation in AI and desertification control. Uzbekistan-Russia ties: Mirziyoyev also met Vladimir Putin, focusing on expanding the comprehensive strategic partnership; leaders cited a 12% trade rise this year and ongoing projects in industry, energy, transport, and cultural exchanges. India–Uzbekistan upgrade: Coverage of PM Narendra Modi’s Uzbekistan visit highlights elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, a long-term uranium supply framework, defense cooperation, and a $5bn trade target by 2030. Digital payments for visitors: NPCI International and Uzbekistan’s NIPC/HUMO agreed to enable UPI merchant payments nationwide via UZQR, aimed at Indian tourists and business travelers. Regional connectivity & governance: Multiple briefs tie SCO’s 25th anniversary to transport corridors and broader “Shanghai Spirit” governance themes, while leaders’ bilateral meetings signal intensified multipolar diplomacy. Sports diplomacy: Kyrgyzstan opened the VI World Nomad Games alongside the SCO summit; Russia’s Tatarstan was flagged as a 2028 host.

India–Uzbekistan Strategic Upgrade: PM Narendra Modi’s Tashkent visit elevated ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, set a $5bn trade target by 2030, and agreed a long-term uranium supply framework alongside cooperation in critical minerals, defence, digital connectivity, and healthcare. Visa & Payments for Visitors: Uzbekistan announced a 30-day visa-free entry for Indians, and NPCI International partnered with Uzbekistan’s NIPC/HUMO to let Indian travellers pay merchants via UPI by scanning UZQR. Regional Diplomacy at SCO: In Bishkek, Modi met Russia’s Putin on SCO sidelines, urging an end to Ukraine hostilities; Xi Jinping met Uzbekistan’s Mirziyoyev and pledged a “golden decade” for bilateral cooperation, including faster progress on the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway. Logistics Push in Tashkent: DP World plans to start building a $288m Tashkent dry port in October 2026, aiming to cut handling costs by integrating rail/road, warehousing, and customs. Security & Legal Watch: A Uzbek critical-minerals scholar was reported arrested in Kazakhstan and charged with espionage, raising questions for cross-border research and state oversight.

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.

India–Uzbekistan Strategic Upgrade: PM Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev elevated bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, setting a $5bn trade target by 2030 and agreeing to cut non-tariff barriers while expanding cooperation in trade, defence, energy, critical minerals, healthcare, agriculture, IT and digital public infrastructure (including UPI). Nuclear & Minerals Agenda: Leaders backed a long-term uranium supply framework for peaceful nuclear use and pushed joint work on critical minerals and value-added processing. Visa Facilitation: Uzbekistan announced a 30-day visa-free entry for Indian citizens during the visit to boost tourism and business travel. State Honors & Diplomacy in Tashkent: Mirziyoyev conferred Modi Uzbekistan’s top foreign award, the Oliy Darajali Do’stlik Order, which Modi dedicated to the “enduring” India–Uzbek bond; Modi also paid tribute to Lal Bahadur Shastri and planted a tree under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam / Yashil Makon. SCO Pivot to Bishkek: Modi then flew to Kyrgyzstan to attend the 26th SCO Summit, with security and counter-terrorism highlighted as priorities, and meetings expected with SCO leaders including Russia’s Putin. Uzbek Domestic Policy: Uzbekistan introduced an “economic amnesty” (“Second Chance”) for small and medium enterprises, offering penalty relief and enforcement termination if tax debts are settled by year-end.

India-Uzbekistan State Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tashkent for a two-day state visit, personally received by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the airport and traveling together to the presidential palace, with talks set to cover trade, investment, defence, critical minerals, energy, digital connectivity, education and people-to-people ties. Diaspora Diplomacy: Modi drew a large Indian community welcome, including cultural performances and a rakhi gesture, calling the diaspora a “living bridge” between the two countries. SCO Summit Focus: Modi’s trip is also designed to feed into the 26th SCO summit in Bishkek (Aug 31–Sep 1), where India’s priorities are security, connectivity and a region free from terrorism, separatism and extremism, with a possible Modi-Putin meeting on the sidelines. Energy and Industry Deals: Separate coverage highlights SOCAR’s Uzbekistan upstream shift—taking operator status under a PSA for six blocks on the Ustyurt Plateau—alongside reports of Uzbekistan-Türkiye efforts to deepen cooperation. Trade Facilitation: Uzbekistan’s visa facilitation center opened at the Gujrat Chamber of Commerce and Industry to streamline business travel and strengthen Uzbekistan-linked trade. Regional Governance Narrative: Xinhua commentary frames the SCO as a model for “better global governance,” tying the bloc’s “Shanghai Spirit” to Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative.

India-Uzbekistan Diplomacy: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tashkent for a two-day state visit, personally received by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at Tashkent-Khumo airport, then both laid flowers at the Independence Monument in Yangi Uzbekistan Park—signaling a push to deepen ties in trade, investment, digital connectivity, defence, energy, and people-to-people links. SCO Momentum: Modi’s Uzbekistan stop feeds directly into the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek (Sept 1), where Uzbekistan lawmakers say the bloc’s “Shanghai Spirit” is meant to unite security and economic cooperation rather than target others. Regional Security Agenda: Ahead of Bishkek, Uzbek officials framed SCO priorities around counter-terrorism, connectivity, and a region free from extremism, while analysts continue debating whether SCO can deliver beyond talk. Uzbekistan’s Development Push: On the eve of Independence Day celebrations, Mirziyoyev marked a “new era” for Uzbekistan, setting a $300bn GDP goal by 2030 and outlining national programs for the next decade. Afghanistan Policy: Uzbekistan reiterated a constructive approach toward Afghanistan, as international sanctions updates continued to circulate around Taliban figures.

SCO Summit Diplomacy: India’s PM Narendra Modi is set to arrive in Tashkent on Aug 29 for a two-day state visit with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, his fourth trip to Uzbekistan, with delegation-level talks expected to cover trade and investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people ties, while aligning “Viksit Bharat 2047” with “Uzbekistan-2030.” Regional Security Framing: Modi also reiterated that India’s SCO push is anchored in security, connectivity and opportunity, aiming for a region “free from the scourge of terrorism.” Bilateral Agenda Details: The visit includes cultural stops at the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre at Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, signaling a strong people-to-people track alongside economic cooperation. SCO@25 in Bishkek: After Tashkent, Modi heads to Bishkek for the 26th SCO Summit on Aug 31–Sep 1, as leaders including Xi and Putin are scheduled for multiple sidelines and follow-on talks. Uzbek Governance Update: Uzbekistan’s Legislative Chamber and Senate approved a new constitutional law strengthening the Administration of the President, including lifetime immunity for officials. Economy Outlook: President Mirziyoyev said Uzbekistan’s GDP is projected to reach $300bn by 2030, alongside a push toward a high-tech, high-productivity model and 2 million high-paying industrial jobs.

Uzbekistan–Singapore Trade Push: Tashkent and Singapore signed a joint statement to begin negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement, alongside MOUs on investment/industry/trade and a planned JV investment—aimed at a “modern, business-facilitative” FTA. Uzbekistan–China Institutional Dialogue: Saida Mirziyoyeva met China’s top legislative and foreign-affairs leadership in Beijing, stressing implementation of joint transport, trade, education and culture initiatives under the comprehensive strategic partnership. SCO Summit Diplomacy: Prime Minister Modi will visit Uzbekistan (Aug 29–30) then Kyrgyzstan for the Sept 1 SCO 25th-anniversary summit in Bishkek, with trade, defense, digital connectivity and energy on the agenda and a likely Modi–Putin meeting on sidelines. Uzbekistan–Azerbaijan Banking Deal: ABB Davr Bank was launched in Tashkent after ABB’s acquisition of a controlling stake in Davr Bank, with plans for corporate governance upgrades, digital transformation and SME-focused services. Energy & Industry Links: Uzbekistan and SOCAR discussed expanding energy and industrial cooperation tied to the Ustyurt project (about $2B) and potential new initiatives. Gold Revenues: Uzbekistan resumed gold exports in July, selling about $1.3B and lifting 2026 exports to $2.804B through July. Cyber & Security Watch: A report says a China-nexus cyberespionage actor is using AI to improve stealthy malware operations targeting Central Asian governments, including Uzbekistan. Islamic Civilization Media Forum: Uzbekistan hosted an international media forum in Tashkent and Samarkand on Islamic civilization and responsible journalism amid AI-driven misinformation risks.

SCO Summit Prep in Tashkent: India’s PM Narendra Modi is set for a four-day trip starting Aug 29, with meetings in Tashkent with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on trade, investment, defence, critical minerals, energy, digital connectivity, education and technology, plus planned visits to the Shastri memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Modi then heads to Bishkek for the 26th SCO summit (Aug 31–Sep 1), where India’s priorities are security, connectivity and opportunity, and where a sidelines meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin is confirmed. Private-Sector Linkages: Qatar and Uzbekistan are exploring new textile and light-industry investment opportunities through business-to-business talks involving Uzbekistan’s light industry development agency and Qatar Chamber officials. Aral Sea Restoration: Chinese and Uzbek scientists report progress on ecosystem recovery efforts after the Aral Sea lost over 90% of its area since the 1960s. Islamic Cultural Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s Islamic Civilization Center announced an international calligraphy competition to create a unique copy of the Holy Qur’an as part of a Tashkent media forum.

India–Uzbekistan Diplomacy: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Uzbekistan on Aug 29–30 and then Kyrgyzstan for the 26th SCO summit in Bishkek on Aug 31–Sep 1, holding delegation-level talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on trade, investment, defense, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people ties. SCO Security Agenda: India says the Bishkek summit will focus heavily on the region’s evolving security picture, with Modi also expected to join other leaders at the World Nomad Games opening. India–Russia Sidelines: Modi is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on SCO sidelines, with trade and energy/fertiliser supply likely on the agenda. Energy Market Signals: ACWA Power and Korea Western Power (KOWEPO) signed an MoU in Tashkent to explore renewable generation, energy storage and related infrastructure in Uzbekistan. Finance & Banking: ABB Davr Bank was launched in Tashkent via ABB’s planned controlling-stake acquisition of Davr Bank, with both presidents participating online. Cultural Heritage Push: Uzbekistan plans a global calligraphy competition to produce a unique copy of the Holy Qur’an, announced during Tashkent’s International Media Forum. Regulated Gaming Step: GLI received approval to certify gaming products for Uzbekistan’s newly operational regulated market.

Uzbek–China Diplomacy: China’s top diplomat Wang Yi met Saida Mirziyoyeva in Beijing, stressing an “all-weather” strategic partnership and backing Uzbekistan’s “New Uzbekistan” agenda while pushing major projects like the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway. SCO Momentum: A week of coverage also framed Uzbekistan’s role in the SCO’s 25th anniversary push—security, trade, industry, and regional integration—amid talk of growing interest in joining. Middle Corridor Finance: A CAREC forum in Tashkent heard that the Middle Corridor needs more than rail—terminals, logistics, energy, and digital links—plus private capital and new financing models to unlock faster trade growth. Green Land Agenda: Uzbekistan, China, and Mongolia discussed green technologies for pasture restoration and desertification control at UNCCD COP17, with Uzbekistan citing large areas at risk and the need for science-led, tech-supported restoration. Cultural Diplomacy in Tashkent: The Tashkent International Media Forum wrapped up with a focus on making Islamic heritage accessible for global audiences via film, publishing, AI, and digital storytelling. Business Links: Dubai Chambers launched a Uzbekistan Business Council to deepen trade and investment ties, setting up new bilateral events and connections.

Uzbek-Azeri Alliance: Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev sent birthday congratulations to Azerbaijan’s First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, praising her role in education, science, culture and deepening bilateral ties—another signal of the political warmth behind the recently signed “Eternal Friendship” track. Regional Connectivity: A new analysis says the Middle Corridor needs private capital and financial infrastructure to unlock faster trade growth, with potential tripling of volumes by 2030 if financing and efficiency improve. Islamic Finance Push: Uzbekistan is advancing Islamic finance as part of broader financial connectivity, with the Central Bank outlining staged development from Islamic microfinance to banking and capital markets at the Silk Road Finance & Technology Forum in Tashkent. Trade & Payments: The National Bank of Cambodia and Uzbekistan’s central bank signed an MoU on cross-border payment cooperation, aiming to strengthen digital payments, settlement systems and financial integration. Tashkent Events: Tashkent will host CAITME 2026 and Global Textile Days, bringing 250 companies from 17 countries to boost textile machinery upgrades and export competitiveness. Sports Diplomacy: An Iraqi MMA fighter withdrew from a youth world championship rather than face an Israeli opponent, citing support for the Palestinian cause.

Islamic Civilization & Media Policy: Uzbekistan’s Islamic Civilization Center is using AI and modern storytelling to bring Islamic heritage to younger audiences, with media experts urging journalists and filmmakers to adapt content for short-form platforms. UN Climate & Land Degradation: A UN desertification forum in Mongolia spotlighted Central Asia’s land degradation and water stress, pushing for regional cooperation on rangeland management and land restoration. Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan Diplomacy: Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a Treaty on Eternal Friendship in Tashkent, setting a $1bn trade target and deepening transport and investment links. Infrastructure Watch (China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan): Tunnel works on the Kosh-Dobo Northern No. 2 line were completed, while major bridge structures on the corridor continue toward long-term completion. Regulated Gaming Market: Uzbekistan’s NAPP officially lists GLI as an accepted testing lab, with licenses already issued as the gambling market moves into its operational phase. Sports & Politics: FIDE rejected Russia’s bid to enter teams in the 2026 Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, keeping sanctions pressure in sport. Regional Connectivity Finance: Uzbekistan and China Exim Bank are accelerating projects worth $1bn+ across hydropower, water, agriculture and transport. SCO Agenda: Preparations for the 2026 SCO summit in Bishkek emphasize security cooperation, anti-terror efforts and cybercrime coordination.

Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan Alliance: President Ilham Aliyev’s state visit to Tashkent is framed as a shift from “brotherhood” to practical economic and transport integration, with analysts pointing to production chains and logistics links that could connect Central Asia to the Caspian, Türkiye and Europe. Finance & Banking: Azerbaijan’s state-backed ABB moved into Uzbekistan’s banking sector by acquiring a 51% controlling stake in SME-focused Davr Bank (option to raise to 74%), signaling deeper cross-border capital and credit cooperation. Energy Dispute: The August 14 blackout blame game in Central Asia continues as Kazakhstan says the cascade began with Kyrgyzstan’s Toktogul HPP shutdown, while Bishkek disputes direct causality; a Kazakhstan commission is expected to finalize findings. Regional Connectivity (Rail): Construction milestones on the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway include completion of lower bridge structures in Jalal-Abad and progress on the Kec-Alat River bridge, described as the line’s highest. Tech & Governance: Uzbekistan hosted the Silk Road Finance and Technology Forum in Tashkent, spotlighting digital finance, fintech corridors, regulatory sandboxes, and cybersecurity. Diplomacy & Culture: An international media forum on Islamic civilization opened in Tashkent, alongside a global calligraphy contest planned for Aug. 26 to create a unique Quran manuscript. Sports (Local Impact): India’s U-20 team heads to Tashkent for AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers after an unbeaten run and clean sheets in friendlies.