AGP Executive Report

BRICS Summit in New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi wrapped up the 18th BRICS talks saying the bloc is becoming an “ecosystem of solutions,” urging outcomes to be turned into time-bound action. Middle East Diplomacy: Uzbekistan voiced deep concern over missile and drone attacks hitting Saudi Arabia, calling for strict respect for international law and urging UN-led de-escalation efforts. Trade & Sanctions Pressure: Russia pushed BRICS to create an insurance mechanism and a joint grain market to blunt the impact of Western curbs on shipping insurance. Legal Cooperation for Turkic States: Azerbaijan’s bar association deputy chief visited Tashkent for a roundtable on strengthening bar associations across Turkic countries, with a focus on training, digitalisation and professional ethics. Uzbekistan Economy & Jobs: Uzbekistan reported large-scale returns from Russia—96,415 people in late August to early September—raising the challenge of absorbing returning workers. Tourism Push: Uzbekistan is set to host the International Tourism Fair, aiming to boost deals and partnerships for the sector. Sports (Uzbekistan in focus): Uzbekistan’s women’s team opens against the Philippines at the Asian Games, with both sides carrying recent World Cup qualification history.

BRICS Summit in New Delhi (Day 2): Leaders wrapped up the 18th BRICS Summit’s first-day “New Delhi Declaration” and moved into Sunday’s open session on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, with India pushing tech and payments themes while the bloc also flagged growing risks of nuclear conflict and attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear sites. Uzbekistan in the BRICS orbit: Uzbekistan appears among partner-country participants, with Deputy PM Jamshid Kuchkarov meeting Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim during summit sidelines, underscoring Tashkent’s continued engagement with the expanded bloc. Uzbek–Korea development push: Uzbekistan’s President Mirziyoyev says ties with South Korea should deliver a “joint leap in development,” focusing on advanced technology, investment and human capital ahead of the inaugural Korea–Central Asia Summit in Seoul. Eurasian security cooperation: Uzbekistan backed a proposal for TÜRKPOL, a joint law-enforcement body for Turkic states, aimed at coordinated action against terrorism, drug trafficking and illegal migration. Local note for readers: A new Silk Road luxury train is set to run from Beijing to Tashkent in September 2026, retracing the historic route.

BRICS Summit in New Delhi: Leaders opened the 18th BRICS meeting amid the Iran–US war and other regional tensions, with China’s Xi arriving for talks with PM Modi after nearly seven years. Day one delivered a New Delhi Declaration calling for UN Security Council reform, condemning terrorism, and pushing equal Global South participation, while a joint declaration also aims to oppose unilateral war without naming any country. Uzbekistan–Tajikistan Border Health: Uzbekistan and Tajikistan launched a cross-border sanitary and epidemiological cooperation project at the Oybek–Fotekhobod crossing to improve information exchange and disease prevention. Uzbekistan in the spotlight: Uzbekistan’s President’s daughter, Saida Mirziyoyeva, was appointed head of the Tashkent International Financial Center administration. Sports—Chess Olympiad: Uzbekistan will host the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, with teams including Guyana and the Virgin Islands heading there. Local sports—Judo coaching: Kyrgyzstan named Russian specialist Kamil Magomedov to prepare its judo team for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Immigration enforcement abroad: Georgia detained 59 foreign nationals, including an Uzbek citizen, during special migration control operations.

BRICS Diplomacy in Delhi: China’s Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit and is set for talks with PM Narendra Modi, as both sides try to steady relations after the 2020 Ladakh standoff. Uzbekistan-Serbia Deal Push: In Belgrade, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Serbian leader Aleksandar Vucic signed a strategic partnership and exchanged 20 agreements covering transport, renewable energy, agriculture, digitalization, and labor mobility, with talks on a possible free trade deal and a direct air route. Regional Connectivity & Trade: Uzbekistan is also linked to a wider rail corridor story, with officials facilitating a China-to-Iran shipment via Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. Student Sports Forum: Uzbekistan will host the inaugural Central Asian Student Sport Forum, bringing together university sports leaders across the region. Safety & Economy: Two workers died after a tyre explosion at a Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company site, while Uzbekistan ranks second in Central Asia for outstanding IMF loans (about $101m). Noise Rules: Uzbekistan introduced nighttime limits on excessive noise.

Uzbekistan in the spotlight at BRICS: As the 18th BRICS Summit opens in New Delhi on Sept 12–13, Russia’s Vladimir Putin pitched an NDB-backed investment platform for trade, infrastructure, logistics and tech, while Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian urged BRICS to shift more toward local currencies and expand local-currency lending and guarantees. Payments and finance links: India’s Piyush Goyal pushed BRICS to link payment systems and expand local-currency trade, and Uzbekistan–Kazakhstan are set to launch cross-border QR-code payments under a memorandum. Aviation and security at home: Embraer unveiled the first C-390 Millennium for Uzbekistan’s Air Force, making Uzbekistan the first Central Asian customer; meanwhile Uzbekistan is considering bodyguard-style security services for foreign tourists. Economy and reserves: Uzbekistan’s international reserves topped $72 billion, and its IMF outstanding loans were reported at 73.64 million SDR (about $101.2m). Safety incident: Two workers died after a tyre exploded during maintenance at a Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company site.

Uzbek Alphabet Reform: Uzbekistan’s Senate approved changes to the Uzbek Latin alphabet, expanding it to 28 letters plus one apostrophe, replacing old digraphs with single symbols (Ş, Ç, Ö, Ğ) to ease typing and improve digital consistency. Night Noise Rules: A new law sets permissible noise levels and nighttime restrictions—11pm-7am on working days and 10pm-9am on weekends/holidays—starting enforcement in December 2026, with court compensation possible for harm. Tashkent Finance Push: President Mirziyoyev appointed Saida Mirziyoyeva to manage the Tashkent International Financial Center, tasked with coordinating its 2027 launch and representing it to investors and international partners. Tourism Connectivity: First-ever Tashkent–Mauritius direct flights are set to launch, following a bilateral tourism dialogue in Tashkent aimed at joint projects and new travel products. Regional Diplomacy: Uzbekistan and Algeria agreed to establish a joint business council to boost direct communication between business operators. Sports—Asian Games Update: Uzbekistan is in beach soccer Group C for the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup, while Uzbekistan-related Asian Games coverage also includes Uzbekistan’s presence in volleyball group draws. BRICS in the Spotlight: While centered on India’s New Delhi summit (Sept 12-13), the coverage highlights BRICS expansion and major leader attendance, with Uzbekistan listed among partner countries.

BRICS Summit Security & Diplomacy: New Delhi is tightening security and traffic protocols as leaders including Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian prepare for the 18th BRICS Summit on Sept 12-13 at Bharat Mandapam, with India also expecting 1,200-1,300 journalists and staging cultural events like the “BRICS Symphony” gala. Uzbekistan in the Spotlight: China has exported the J-10C fighter jet to Uzbekistan, signaling deeper military ties and potential further arms sales. Education Update: Uzbekistan will start translating school textbooks into the new Uzbek alphabet in 2027, beginning with first-graders, with full transition planned by 2031. Finance Leadership: Saida Mirziyoyeva has been appointed manager of the Tashkent International Financial Center, aimed at attracting long-term investment under a special legal regime. Culture & Arts: Studio KO has turned a former tram depot in Tashkent into a new arts centre, adding to the city’s growing contemporary scene. Regional Trade Links: Algeria and Uzbekistan agreed to establish a joint business council and discuss a draft preferential trade agreement.

Tourism Surge: Uzbekistan welcomed 9.1 million foreign tourists in the first eight months of 2026, up 21.1% year-on-year, with 1.4 million arrivals in August alone and tourism services exports reaching $4.6bn (+53.5%). Korean Education Push: Korea’s Education Ministry is expanding Korean-language teacher training in Uzbekistan, opening a Korean department and a teacher training center in Bukhara to train about 60 teachers annually and serve western regions. Uzbek-Serbia Ties: Serbia and Uzbekistan are moving toward a free trade agreement with zero-rate tariffs and are also preparing deeper cooperation as Serbia’s embassy opening in Tashkent nears. Regional Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s foreign minister met Serbia’s top diplomat in Belgrade, while Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan held talks on military cooperation and a 2027 plan. Sports—Asian Games: Uzbekistan is set to face the Philippines in women’s football at Asian Games 2026, with the Philippines hit by an injury that ruled out Angela Beard. BRICS in the Spotlight: India’s BRICS summit in New Delhi (Sept 12-13) is set to focus on resilience in food and energy, health, disaster reduction and critical supply chains, with Uzbekistan listed among BRICS partners.

Uzbekistan-India Diplomacy: PM Modi’s visit to Uzbekistan upgraded ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with plans to boost trade to $5bn by 2030 and deepen coordination on connectivity, banking and payments. Cyber Safety: Uzbek users are being targeted by fake “best parent” online voting scams that push victims to authorize via Telegram—never enter Telegram codes on third-party sites. Regional Connectivity & Energy: BP and Socar received a green light to move to the next phase of exploration on Uzbekistan’s Ustyurt Plateau after completing the first 3D seismic data stage. Finance & Trade Links: Hong Kong and Uzbekistan signed an MOU to strengthen gold market cooperation at the Belt and Road Summit, including information sharing and settlement infrastructure. Culture in Tashkent: Uzbekistan opened its first permanent Centre for Contemporary Arts in Tashkent, repurposing a historic tram depot into a new hub for exhibitions and education. Security & Governance: A former Armenian security chief Armen Grigoryan joined PMCG as a senior adviser, working on feasibility assessments for the TRIPP connectivity project. Health & Mobility: Turkmenistan discussed public health risk detection at border points with IOM and WHO, relevant for regional transit partners.

Football & Youth Sport: Uzbekistan’s Oct. 6 friendly opponent South Korea is set to be led by interim coach Robert Moreno, arriving in Seoul Sunday and naming his first squad Monday, with matches also against Ecuador, Uruguay and Venezuela. Regional Football Stakes: The OFC U-19 semis in Apia decide two FIFA U-20 World Cup spots for 2027, with Solomon Islands vs Tahiti and New Zealand vs New Caledonia. Energy & Industry: Trinasolar has commissioned Uzbekistan’s 126 MW Sarimay Solar PV plant in Khorezm, supplying renewable power to the national grid and supporting the 40% renewables-by-2030 goal. Trade & Logistics: Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan completed a cross-Caspian eTIR customs pilot using one digital transit document, a small but important step for the Middle Corridor. Diplomacy & Partnerships: Uzbekistan and Serbia signed a strategic partnership in Belgrade, exchanging 20 documents covering transport, renewable energy, agriculture, digitalization and support for the Middle Corridor. Tourism Boost: Uzbekistan welcomed 9.1 million foreign tourists in the first eight months of 2026, up 21.1%, with tourism services exports reaching $4.6bn. Sports Culture: Armenia and Uzbekistan held foreign-ministry consultations in Yerevan, including plans to deepen trade, logistics, tech, education and tourism, with direct flights between Tashkent and Yerevan highlighted.

Uzbekistan–Serbia Strategic Push: Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Aleksandar Vučić signed a joint statement establishing a strategic partnership in Belgrade, with plans for a free trade agreement and faster direct flights, alongside 20 cooperation documents spanning digitalisation, customs, renewable energy, culture, tourism, agriculture and transport. Energy & Supply: Gazprom says it boosted gas supplies to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan by nearly 70% in 2026, with Uzbekistan’s imports rising as domestic output declines. Regional Connectivity: The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway is moving from plans to construction, with tunnel excavation underway on the Kyrgyz section. Diplomacy Beyond Europe: Uzbekistan and Armenia held foreign ministry consultations in Yerevan, focusing on industry, logistics, agriculture, digital tech, tourism and education, including progress on direct air links. Aviation for Tourism & Trade: Centrum Air will launch direct Hyderabad–Tashkent flights from Sept 28, aiming to strengthen tourism, healthcare, education and business ties. Culture Spotlight: Tashkent opened its first permanent Centre for Contemporary Arts, with Qatar Museums backing exhibitions and residencies. Education Watch: OECD’s PISA 2025 flags worsening reading, math and science skills among 15-year-olds, a concern for future workforce readiness. Chess in Samarkand: Uzbekistan prepares for the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand (Sept 15–27), expecting a record 398 teams.

Customs Modernization: Uzbekistan says 94% of exports and 87% of imports are now cleared under simplified procedures, cutting customs declaration processing time to about 20 minutes as it prepares for WTO accession, with more digital interaction and tighter enforcement. Water Data Push: Kazakhstan’s water reforms are mirrored by Uzbekistan’s own push to digitize water management—Uzbek officials highlight a national system covering 23,000+ water bodies and thousands of reports to support water security decisions. Uzbek Talent & Innovation: A new analysis argues Uzbekistan’s next competitive edge is talent, pointing to reforms, digitalization, and startups like Uzum as progress—while stressing stronger institutions and university-industry links. Uzbekistan-Serbia Diplomacy: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrives in Belgrade for a two-day visit, with ceremonial honors and plans for a strategic partnership joint statement and business forum. Qatar Cultural Diplomacy: Qatar’s Alliance of Civilisations chief meets Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies leadership to expand academic and cultural cooperation. Digital Money Policy: Uzbekistan’s central bank rejects a retail CBDC, saying stablecoins and existing payment systems already cover the need.

Uzbekistan–China Diplomacy: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met CPC International Department chief Liu Haixing in Tashkent and agreed a joint Road Map to deepen interparliamentary and party cooperation, alongside rising trade and joint projects. Nuclear Oversight Plan: Uzbekistan proposed a joint engineering venture with a foreign partner to provide independent technical oversight for its first nuclear power plant in Jizzakh. Energy Push: Uzbekistan’s Solar House net metering scheme reached 2,508 MW of PV capacity by August 2026, with officials targeting 700 MW more this year. Fiscal Talks: Uzbekistan and the IMF discussed steps to strengthen fiscal stability, budget planning, and public financial management. Regional Security & Courts: Uzbekistan featured in BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum diplomacy, as China’s top judge called for “digital justice” and practical judicial cooperation. Sports—AFC U20: India qualified for the AFC U20 Asian Cup after beating Bangladesh 3-0, with Uzbekistan’s 3-0 win over Syria confirming the result. Culture & Heritage: Qatar joined a Tashkent conference on Islamic cultural heritage, with talks focused on scientific and cultural dialogue.

AFC U20 Asian Cup Buzz (Tashkent): India thrashed Bangladesh 3-0 in the final Group B qualifier at Do’stlik Stadium, with goals from Danny Meitei Laishram, Vishal Yadav and substitute Md Arbash—yet India’s ticket still hinges on the Syria–Uzbekistan result later Sunday. AFC U20 Qualifiers (Uzbekistan): Hosts Uzbekistan beat Syria 3-0 to top Group B with a perfect record, while Bangladesh finished bottom and were relegated to the Development Phase. Nuclear Policy Shift: Uzbekistan’s latest update on its first nuclear reactor cluster omits Rosatom’s name and proposes a new consortium to oversee construction, signaling a rethink of Russia’s role. Inflation Watch: Uzbekistan’s annual inflation eased to 6.2% in August (from 6.4% in July), with food and transport driving the monthly rise. Culture & Diplomacy: Qatar Museums’ Sheikha Al Mayassa inaugurated CCA Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s first permanent contemporary arts centre, as Qatar and Uzbekistan launch a five-year collaboration. Regional Connectivity: China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway hit a milestone with the first tunnel breakthrough on the Kyrgyz section, part of a route aimed at cutting travel times toward Europe. Security/Travel: Russian airports suspended operations nearly 1,000 times in August amid drone attacks, disrupting flights including some from Uzbekistan.

Cultural Diplomacy: Qatar Museums chair Sheikha Al Mayassa inaugurated the Centre for Contemporary Arts Tashkent, a new permanent hub for contemporary art, research and exchange, opening to the public today in a renovated 1912 industrial building. Youth & Rights: At the 12th IPU Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians in Samarkand, speakers from Algeria and Bahrain highlighted youth economic rights, climate action, and protections for women and young people. Digital Payments: Indian MP Raghav Chadha pushed a “digital future” at the IPU, pointing to India’s UPI and its planned link with Uzbekistan’s UZQR to make cross-border payments simpler for travellers and students. Sports—Football: India’s U20 side thrashed Bangladesh 3-0 in Tashkent to keep AFC U20 Asian Cup qualification hopes alive after a 20-year gap; their final fate hinges on the Syria–Uzbekistan result. Sports—Security & Cooperation: China’s police chief met Lao and Uzbekistan officials in Beijing, focusing on tackling telecom fraud, online gambling, drug control and border security. Regional Ties: Uzbekistan marked 35 years of independence with growing ties to Qatar, with cooperation expanding across investment, trade, energy, infrastructure and tourism.

Startup Finance Push: Uzbekistan will launch the “Future Entrepreneur” program (2027-2030), with IT Park Uzbekistan backing tech projects and the UzVC National Venture Fund financing up to 30 startups in priority sectors; each can get up to 5 billion soums via interest-free convertible loans/SAFE, with the state capped at 49% and an initial 150 billion soums earmarked for 2027. Regional Connectivity Milestone: The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway hit a major milestone as the first tunnel on the Kyrgyz section was drilled through, with 27 tunnels, 43 bridges and 88 roadbed sections already underway. SCO Spotlight: At the SCO summit in Bishkek, leaders including Uzbekistan’s Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized multipolar cooperation and security, while PM Modi urged SCO members to dismantle the “terror ecosystem” with coordinated action. Diplomatic Expansion: Uzbekistan opened its first consulate in the USA in Seattle, aiming to boost trade, investment, technology ties and education cooperation. Travel Update for Uzbek Visitors: Thailand tightens entry rules for Uzbek citizens starting September 15, ending the previous 60-day visa exemption framework. Sports & Culture: Uzbekistan’s presence in regional events continues—from World Nomad Games coverage to Uzbekistan-linked tennis headlines at the US Open.