Modi heads to Central Asia, pledges cooperation with SCO to combat terrorism

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a two-nation tour of Central Asia with a stop in Uzbekistan, where President Shavkat Mirziyoyev received him at the airport. Modi emphasized India's vision for a region anchored in security, connectivity and opportunity, and pledged to collaborate with fellow Shanghai Cooperation Organisation members to root out terrorism, separatism and extremism. The visit precedes the SCO heads-of-state summit scheduled for early next week in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

In addition to security talks, Modi plans to discuss trade and investment prospects with the Uzbek leadership. The trip underscores India's intent to play a proactive role in shaping stability and economic growth across Central Asia.