AGP Executive Report

SCO Counter-Terror Push: PM Modi urged SCO leaders to “dismantle the entire ecosystem” of terror financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens, calling for one voice and rejecting double standards. BRICS Judicial Cooperation: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant told the BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum to become a “living Nalanda University,” stressing healthy disagreement and faster, more predictable justice for the rule of law. Uzbekistan-Serbia Diplomacy: Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is set to visit Serbia on Sept 7-8 for high-level talks and a business forum, with a package of intergovernmental agreements expected. Regional Connectivity Milestone: On the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, the first Kyrgyz tunnel has been drilled through, while work continues on major structures including a 956.67m bridge in Suzak. Parliamentary Outreach: Uzbekistan’s Senate first deputy chairman Sodiq Safoyev highlighted the interconnected logic of Xi’s “four global initiatives” and praised China-Uzbek ties as built on leadership trust. Sports & Youth in Tashkent: India’s U20 men face Bangladesh at Do’stlik Stadium on Sunday, with qualification scenarios tied to the Uzbekistan-Syria match later the same evening.

Judicial Diplomacy: India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant used the BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum in New Delhi to push closer judicial cooperation, including mediation and arbitration for cross-border commercial disputes, and held bilateral talks with judicial leaders from Russia, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, South Africa—and Uzbekistan—on mutual recognition of court decisions and faster commercial justice. Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan Ties: Uzbekistan marked its 35th Independence anniversary with a reception in Turkmenistan, with officials stressing ongoing reforms and “good-neighbourliness” as a strategic foreign-policy priority. Regional Security & Governance: The SCO continues to frame itself as a non-bloc platform, with leaders emphasizing security, connectivity, technology, and Afghanistan-related calls for inclusive governance. Cross-Border Tech Links: Hong Kong’s Cyberport deepened ties with Kazakhstan’s Astana Hub, with a stated goal of channeling Central Asian startups into AI, fintech, and smart-city markets. Uzbekistan in International Legal Risk: Amsterdam & Partners filed an ICSID arbitration request against Uzbekistan seeking over $100 million in compensation tied to a detained company director. Local Development Spillover: Kyrgyzstan plans a new production zone on land transferred from Uzbekistan, with city and defense officials assessing logistics and suitability. Sports (Uzbek Connection): At the US Open, world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka briefly paused play after complaining about a strong cannabis smell during her match against Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova. Youth Parliament: Uzbekistan hosted the 12th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians in Samarkand, focused on human rights, justice, digital rights, youth employment, and ending violence against women.

Parliament & Rights: Uzbekistan opened the 12th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians in Samarkand, with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev presiding and the IPU leadership attending; the two-day agenda spotlights youth rights in crises, digital rights, climate resilience, ending violence against women, and youth economic and political empowerment. Social Policy: Uzbekistan, the World Bank and UNICEF are drafting an Adaptive Social Protection Strategy to help households absorb climate, natural and economic shocks faster, with tighter coordination across social protection institutions. Regional Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s ties with India got a fresh boost after PM Modi’s visit, with the Uzbek ambassador to India calling it a “firm groundwork” for a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and progress on uranium and critical minerals cooperation. SCO & Governance: The BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum began in New Delhi, with Uzbekistan’s Supreme Court representation among participants, and sessions set to cover mediation, cross-border enforcement, AI in justice, and sustainable development. Cross-border Connectivity: A production zone is planned on 105 hectares transferred from Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan, following recent border agreements and ratification steps. Security & Courts: Russia’s Southern District Military Court sentenced Uzbek and Tajik nationals to long terms over a 2024 hostage-taking at a detention center in Rostov-on-Don. International Cooperation: Uzbekistan’s Presidential Administration head Saida Mirziyoyeva met Qatar’s Emir in Doha, discussing new joint initiatives around cultural heritage.

SCO Diplomacy in Bishkek: Uzbekistan is pushing to turn Shanghai Cooperation Organization principles into practical mechanisms for economic integration, security coordination, digital development and cross-border connectivity, with Tashkent framing the bloc as a core pillar of its foreign policy and highlighting its role in the SCO’s anti-terror structure. Regional Security & Water Politics: At the SCO summit’s close, Pakistan took over the chairmanship and emphasized water security, warning that shared resources must never be weaponised—an issue that also echoed across leaders’ agendas. Uzbekistan-Russia Friction: A separate report points to a chill in Uzbek-Russian relations after a brief Kremlin statement following Putin’s meeting with President Mirziyoyev, suggesting Moscow’s displeasure amid broader SCO sidelines diplomacy. Defense Modernization: Uzbekistan publicly showcased its first Chengdu J-10CE fighters in official footage, marking a notable shift toward Chinese airpower after years of a Russian-only combat fleet. Cultural Diplomacy: Qatar Museums and Uzbekistan’s Art and Culture Development Foundation signed a five-year cooperation agreement to build human capital and support the creative economy through research, joint projects and heritage conservation. Trade & Investment Links: Serbia-Uzbekistan ties keep expanding, with trade turnover rising sharply since 2016 and new cooperation focus areas including mechanical engineering, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and agriculture.

Uzbek-Russia Chill: Kremlin issued a notably curt one-sentence readout after Putin met Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Aug. 31, while Uzbekistan’s own summary sounded substantive—raising questions about a sudden diplomatic frost. SCO Diplomacy: At the SCO Bishkek summit and “SCO Plus” format, leaders—including Mirziyoyev—backed a multipolar, security-and-connectivity agenda, with Xi Jinping urging “universal security” and higher-quality SCO development. Nuclear Push with Local Content: Uzbekistan’s $9.5bn nuclear power plant construction is advancing, and Mirziyoyev wants localization lifted from 21% to at least 30%, including a planned 200-hectare industrial zone in Farish to supply NPP components. Regional Water Talks: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan held a UNECE-backed meeting on protecting and sustainably using transboundary water resources, including drafting a roadmap and memorandum for aquifer cooperation. Tashkent Logistics Investment: DP World plans to start building a $288m Tashkent multimodal logistics terminal in October, targeting 150,000 TEUs per year and linking rail, highway, and air access. Tech & Business Calendar: ICTWEEK Uzbekistan 2026 is set for Sept. 22–25 in Tashkent, aiming to connect startups, investors, policymakers, and global tech ecosystems.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Leaders at the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit signed the Bishkek Declaration, pushing deeper cooperation on security, counter-terrorism, trade facilitation, energy security and technology, while adopting a first dedicated nuclear safety and security declaration. Regional Security & Terror: The SCO backed a tougher line against terrorism “in all its forms,” rejecting double standards and calling for action against terror networks, safe havens and financing. Uzbekistan’s Nuclear Build: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed progress on an integrated nuclear power plant in Jizzakh, ordering higher use of domestically produced goods and more local construction work. Uzbekistan–Kazakhstan Water Talks: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan held expert meetings on protecting shared transboundary water resources, focusing on a roadmap for the Tashkent transboundary aquifer through 2030. Uzbekistan–Pakistan Trade Push: Pakistan and Uzbekistan set a target to lift bilateral trade to $2 billion over five years, with expanded air connectivity expected by October 2026. Tashkent Finance Boost: Bluestone Investment Bank hired a new head of research and launched an equity research platform aimed at Uzbekistan and Central Asia capital markets. Sports & Culture: Uzbekistan-linked coverage included World Nomad Games events in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan’s participation in international competitions in Samarkand.

SCO Nuclear Safety: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation adopted its first nuclear safety and security declaration at the Bishkek summit, calling for stronger cooperation on regulation, emergency response, and stopping illicit trafficking of nuclear materials, while stressing each state’s responsibility for nuclear security. Uzbekistan Governance Programs: Uzbekistan’s Independence Day announcements set out seven national development programs for the years ahead, heavily focused on education, health, economic modernization, labor productivity, environment, and judicial independence—while notably omitting political pluralism and press freedom. Uzbekistan-India Trade Push: Uzbekistan and India are aiming to lift bilateral trade toward $5 billion by 2030, with uranium and critical minerals cooperation at the center of the relationship. Uzbekistan-CCA Tashkent: Uzbekistan’s first permanent contemporary art center, CCA Tashkent, is set to open in September in a renovated 1912 diesel power plant, with exhibitions plus education and research. Regional Diplomacy: Turkey’s Erdogan said SCO engagement won’t mean turning away from the West, as he discussed further nuclear cooperation with Russia’s Putin during the summit. Tashkent Sports & Youth: India named Mehrajuddin Wadoo as head coach of its U17 men’s team, while India’s U17 women drew 0-0 twice with Uzbekistan in friendlies ahead of qualifiers.

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.