AGP Executive Report

SCO Diplomacy in Bishkek: Leaders wrapped the 26th SCO summit with the Bishkek Declaration, stressing the bloc is not a military-political alliance and pushing cooperation on security, trade, technology, and Afghanistan. Uzbekistan–Kyrgyzstan Connectivity: A Kyrgyz political scientist called the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway a “test case” for practical, trust-based regional cooperation. Uzbekistan–Kazakhstan Water Talks: Uzbek and Kazakh experts met in Tashkent on protecting shared water resources, including a roadmap for the Tashkent transboundary aquifer through 2030. Travel Rules for Uzbekistan: A presidential decree outlines allowing citizens to temporarily import foreign-registered cars for personal, non-commercial use, with customs processes to be digitized by 2027. Korea–Central Asia Security Prep: South Korea’s Presidential Security Service launched a situation room ahead of the Korea-Central Asia Summit, with Uzbekistan among the invited leaders. Sports Spotlight: Aryna Sabalenka advanced at the US Open and will face Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova next; meanwhile, Uzbekistan’s kokpar team lost 12-4 to Kyrgyzstan at the World Nomad Games. Culture Abroad: Qatar Museums opened “Uzbekistan: Heritage in Motion” at Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art, showcasing centuries of Uzbek art and craft.

Nuclear Build-Up: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed work on an integrated nuclear power plant in Jizzakh, with excavation finished, major concrete pours underway, and a push to lift local content to at least 30% as the $9.5bn project scales. Capital Markets: Bluestone Investment Bank expanded its research muscle in Tashkent, hiring a new head of research and launching an equity research platform for Uzbekistan and Central Asia. SCO Nuclear Safety: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation adopted its first nuclear safety and security declaration, calling for tougher cooperation on regulation, emergency response, and stopping illicit trafficking. Independence Programs: Uzbekistan’s 35th Independence Day brought seven national development programs focused on education, health, tech-led growth and labor productivity, while sidestepping political pluralism and press freedom. Trade & Connectivity: Uzbekistan’s foreign trade hit $49.5bn in seven months, as officials also look to deepen corridors and partnerships. Sports (Uzbekistan in focus): Uzbekistan’s teams featured across World Nomad Games kok-boru/kokpar action, while AFC U20 qualifiers set a key India vs Uzbekistan clash in Tashkent.

World Nomad Games (Uzbekistan in focus): Kokpar kicked off in Cholpon-Ata with Kyrgyzstan crushing Mongolia 12-1, while the kok-boru draw set Group A (Kyrgyzstan, Russia, USA, Uzbekistan) and Group B (Hungary, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan). VIK-2026 combat sports: At the Gazprom complex, Uzbekistan athletes stood out in kurash (Numonjon Rajabov won gold) and goresh (Iliosbek Mirzakmatov took bronze), alongside medals for Kyrgyz and other teams. SCO diplomacy: At the 25th SCO summit in Bishkek, leaders adopted the Bishkek Declaration, backing deeper cooperation on security, trade and technology, while calling out “double standards” in counter-terrorism. India–Uzbekistan cultural ties: PM Narendra Modi urged translating the Thirukkural into Uzbek and announced new steps to preserve shared Buddhist heritage and expand Hindi studies and tourism cooperation. Regional trade push: Pakistan and Uzbekistan set a target of $2bn annual bilateral trade, with connectivity expected to rise to nine flights per week by October 2026.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Leaders adopted the Bishkek Declaration to push cooperation on security, trade and technology, with China urging SCO members to make security the top priority and crack down on terrorism, separatism and extremism. Terrorism & Afghanistan: India’s PM Modi called for “zero tolerance” of double standards and urged the SCO to dismantle the full ecosystem enabling terrorism; the declaration also backs an inclusive Afghan government. Water dispute: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif told the summit water is the region’s “lifeblood” and must never be weaponised, tying the message to the Indus Waters Treaty row. India–Uzbekistan ties: Modi wrapped up a visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, with India and Uzbekistan targeting $5bn annual trade by 2030 and discussing a long-term uranium supply framework. Uzbekistan–China defense: Uzbekistan confirmed it has bought China’s J-10CE fighter jets, becoming the second operator after Pakistan. Digital payments: UPI hit a record 24.51bn transactions in August, and Uzbekistan is now among the countries where UPI is available. Infrastructure: DP World says it will begin construction in October on a $288m multimodal logistics terminal in Tashkent.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is among the leaders attending the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, with the Bishkek Declaration and “SCO Plus” talks on regional security, trade, investment, transport and digital cooperation. Counter-terror push: India’s PM Narendra Modi urged SCO members to dismantle the full terrorism ecosystem—financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens—while calling for dialogue over battlefield solutions. Uzbekistan–China ties: Xi Jinping met Mirziyoyev on the SCO sidelines, highlighting a “golden decade” for bilateral relations and backing the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway plus cooperation on AI and desertification control. Digital payments for Indians in Uzbekistan: UPI is expanding in Uzbekistan via NPCI International partnerships, enabling Indians to pay using UPI/UZQR codes while abroad. Uzbekistan in the spotlight: Samarkand hosted international media tours focused on Islamic heritage, including the Imam al-Bukhari complex, as the city strengthens its cultural profile.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: China, Russia and India leaders met at the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, with Vladimir Putin urging a permanent visa-free regime for China and Modi calling for an end to the Ukraine war. Uzbek-India Digital Payments: NPCI International and Uzbekistan’s NIPC/HUMO agreed to let Indian travellers pay across Uzbekistan by scanning UZQR with UPI apps. Uzbek-India Strategic Upgrade: India and Uzbekistan elevated ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, targeting $5bn trade by 2030 and signing a long-term uranium supply framework. Visa-Free Travel for Indians: Uzbekistan announced 30-day visa-free entry for Indian citizens, easing travel ahead of broader connectivity. China-Uzbek Trade Push: Xi and Mirziyoyev set a goal to lift China-Uzbek trade to $30bn and backed new cooperation in digital, mining and infrastructure. Sports (Tashkent): India’s U20s began AFC qualifiers with a 1-0 win over Syria, with Shami Singamayum scoring in the 86th minute.

India–Uzbekistan Diplomacy: PM Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev say ties are being upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a Foreign Ministers-led coordination mechanism and a $5 billion trade target by 2030; they also agreed on a long-term uranium supply framework and broader cooperation across defence, critical minerals, digital payments and culture. Visa-Free Travel: Uzbekistan announced 30-day visa-free entry for Indian passport holders, easing travel while e-visa rules may still apply for longer stays. Digital Payments: India’s UPI is set for rollout in Uzbekistan, aiming to boost cross-border transactions. Green Initiatives: Modi and Mirziyoyev planted a sapling in Tashkent, linking India’s Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam with Uzbekistan’s Yashil Makon. SCO Spotlight (Bishkek): Modi arrived for the SCO summit, where he paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and is expected to meet Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian amid West Asia tensions. Regional Connectivity: Xi Jinping highlighted steady progress on the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, a flagship SCO-era infrastructure push.

India–Uzbekistan Upgrade: PM Narendra Modi’s two-day Tashkent visit with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev lifted ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a $5bn trade target by 2030, a push on critical minerals and uranium, and expanded cooperation across defence, digital tech/AI, space, logistics, health and education. Visa & Payments: Uzbekistan announced 30-day visa-free entry for Indian citizens and said UPI-enabled payments would be available in Uzbekistan within a year. Security Talks: The leaders reaffirmed zero tolerance on terrorism, including cross-border threats, and pledged tighter intelligence-sharing and law enforcement. Green Diplomacy: Modi and Mirziyoyev planted a sapling under India’s Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam and Uzbekistan’s Yashil Makon, and India pledged $1m for Aral Sea rehabilitation. SCO Next Stop: Modi arrived in Bishkek for the 26th SCO Summit, welcomed by the Indian diaspora, with bilateral meetings expected on the sidelines. Sports (Uzbekistan): Uzbekistan’s judoka Umar Bozorov won -90kg gold at Lausanne, while Uzbekistan also featured in other finals and medal contests.

India–Uzbekistan Diplomacy: PM Narendra Modi arrived in Tashkent for a two-day state visit, received by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the leaders are set to hold delegation-level talks on trade, investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people ties. Cultural Diplomacy: Modi joined a Yoga session in Tashkent with the Yoga Federation of Uzbekistan, laid a wreath at the Yangi Uzbekistan Monument, and met the Indian diaspora, including cultural performances and rakhi gestures. SCO Focus: Modi is expected to travel to Bishkek for the 26th SCO summit, where India’s priorities are framed around security, connectivity and opportunity, with terrorism-free regional goals on the agenda. Regional Connectivity: Construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway continues in Kyrgyzstan, with local workers and Chinese teams highlighting skills transfer and future logistics benefits. Energy Links Beyond Borders: Afghanistan inaugurated a power supply network in Paktia, underscoring the region’s continued reliance on electricity imports, including from Uzbekistan. Media & Heritage: Uzbekistan hosted an international media forum on Islamic civilization, pushing digital storytelling and AI-supported interpretation of cultural heritage for global audiences.

India-Uzbekistan Diplomacy: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tashkent for a two-day state visit, personally received by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, then laid a wreath at Yangi Uzbekistan Park’s Independence Monument; talks are set to cover trade and investment, digital connectivity, defence, energy, education, and people-to-people ties, with Modi also visiting the Shastri Memorial and Mahatma Gandhi Centre. SCO Summit Focus: Modi’s Uzbekistan stop feeds into the 26th SCO summit in Bishkek (Aug 31–Sept 1), where India is expected to push a security-first, connectivity-forward agenda. Regional Connectivity Push: China’s Xi Jinping, ahead of his Kyrgyzstan visit, highlighted the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and the Bedel checkpoint as key projects linking the region. Uzbekistan Independence Celebrations: Uzbekistan marked 35 years of independence with major New Tashkent festivities, including international performances and a large drone show. Sports (Uzbek Link): Uzbekistan’s Arslonbek Tojiev won -81 kg gold at the Lausanne Grand Slam, while Uzbekistan also featured in Asian junior handball placement matches.

SCO & diplomacy: Indian PM Narendra Modi has begun a four-day trip to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, starting with Tashkent on Aug 29-30 and then heading to Bishkek for the 26th SCO summit on Aug 31–Sep 1, with his message focused on a “terrorism-free” region built on security, connectivity, and opportunity. Bilateral agenda (Uzbekistan): In talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Modi is set to review cooperation across trade and investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education, and people-to-people links, and align long-term visions including “Viksit Bharat 2047” and “Uzbekistan-2030,” with planned visits to the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Tashkent. Regional trade push: Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are also aiming to lift mutual trade to $3 billion, pointing to transport and logistics links plus deeper industrial cooperation as the route to get there. Economy outlook: Uzbekistan’s president says GDP could reach $300bn by 2030, supported by a shift toward a high-tech, high-productivity model and plans for 2 million high-paying industrial jobs. Sports (local angle): Uzbekistan is listed as a key opponent for the Philippines in Group G at the Asian Games football tournament, with the Philippines opening against Uzbekistan.

Modi’s Central Asia push: Indian PM Narendra Modi will visit Uzbekistan Aug 29-30 and Kyrgyzstan Aug 29-Sep 1, holding talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and joining the 26th SCO summit in Bishkek; India’s ambassador says the agenda includes long-term critical minerals supply, plus trade, investment, energy, defense, digital connectivity, and UN cooperation. Trade & investment momentum: Singapore and Uzbekistan signed a joint statement to start negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement, alongside investment and industry cooperation steps. Banking deal in Tashkent: Azerbaijan’s ABB Bank officially launched its Davr Bank project in Uzbekistan, moving to acquire a controlling stake and operate under the ABB Davr brand. Governance update: Uzbekistan passed a new constitutional law strengthening the Administration of the President, including lifetime immunity for officials. Tech and corridor logistics: FasterCapital’s EquityPilot program will help IkarusWay roll out its Book-Track-Document-Pay platform for Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor road freight across the region. Economy watch: Uzbekistan resumed gold exports in July, selling about $1.3bn, while gold remains a key export earner.

SCO Diplomacy: India’s PM Narendra Modi will visit Uzbekistan (Aug 29-30) and then Kyrgyzstan (Aug 31-Sep 1) for the 26th SCO summit in Bishkek, with talks in Tashkent expected to cover trade, investment, defence, critical minerals, pharma, healthcare, energy, digital connectivity, education and technology; a Modi–Putin meeting is also scheduled on the SCO sidelines. Trade & Economy: Uzbekistan’s foreign trade turnover hit $49.5bn in Jan–July (+8.1% y/y), but the trade deficit widened to $9.67bn as exports fell (-3.6%) while imports rose (+17.8%); China remained the top partner. Regional Connectivity: Kyrgyzstan approved a 3.36-hectare land transfer in Naryn’s Ak-Tal (Ala-Buga) from agricultural to settlement land to compensate owners affected by the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway. Business Links: Qatar Chamber and Uzbekistan’s light industry agency discussed boosting private-sector cooperation in textiles and light manufacturing. Environment: Uzbek and Chinese scientists report progress on Aral Sea ecosystem restoration, even as the sea has shrunk by over 90% since the 1960s.

SCO Diplomacy in Focus: China’s Xi Jinping is set to attend the SCO summit in Bishkek (Aug 30–Sept 3) as Central Asia prepares for a major wave of leader visits. India–Uzbekistan Talks: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Uzbekistan Aug 29–30, then Kyrgyzstan Aug 31–Sept 1 for the SCO summit, with bilateral talks in Tashkent expected to cover trade, investment, defense, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people ties. Qur’an Calligraphy Project: Uzbekistan’s Islamic Civilization Center announced an international calligraphy competition to create a unique copy of the Holy Qur’an, bringing together global calligraphers and traditions as part of a Tashkent media forum. Energy Cooperation: ACWA Power and Korea Western Power (KOWEPO) signed an MoU to explore renewable energy and storage opportunities in Uzbekistan. Business Links: Qatar Chamber met Uzbekistan’s light industry agency to discuss investment and expanding private-sector cooperation in textiles and related manufacturing. Sports: Uzbekistan held India’s U-17 women to a 0-0 draw in a friendly in Tashkent ahead of upcoming qualifiers.

Energy Security: A new analysis flags Uzbekistan’s widening gas gap as production falls and imports rise, arguing renewables are increasingly needed not just for climate goals but to protect households and industry. China Ties: Chinese FM Wang Yi met Saida Mirziyoyeva in Beijing, reaffirming an “all-weather” Uzbekistan–China partnership and pushing landmark projects like the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway. Renewables Deal: Korea Western Power (KOWEPO) signed an MoU with ACWA in Tashkent to expand renewable power projects in Uzbekistan, targeting a higher renewables share by 2030. Tech & Outsourcing: IT PARK Uzbekistan expanded its Los Angeles operation to connect U.S. firms with Central Asia’s BPO/KPO and engineering talent. Culture & Diplomacy: Qatar Museums will open “Ektashif: Uzbekistan” at Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art on Sept. 3, featuring new works by seven Qatari artists inspired by Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. Land Degradation: UNCCD reporting underscores Central Asia’s land degradation scale, with Uzbekistan among countries pushing restoration and sustainable pasture management.

Uzbek-Azeri Diplomacy: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Azerbaijan’s First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva traded birthday congratulations, underscoring the close “brotherhood” ties between Tashkent and Baku. Cultural Spotlight: Qatar Museums will open “Ektashif: Uzbekistan” at Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art on Sep. 3, with new works by seven Qatari artists inspired by trips through Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. Middle Corridor Infrastructure: Construction continues on the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan rail bridge in Jalal-Abad, with a 122-meter-tall structure over the Kec-Alat River and major support work already underway. Finance & Reserves: Uzbekistan’s central bank is seeking input from Goldman Sachs and BlackRock on managing its roughly $77bn reserves, heavily weighted toward gold. Business Links: Dubai Chamber of Commerce launched an Uzbekistan Business Council to connect firms and unlock trade and investment opportunities. Sports (Tashkent): India named a 23-player U20 squad for AFC qualifiers in Tashkent (Aug 31–Sep 6), with Uzbekistan among Group B opponents.