AGP Executive Report

Contemporary Arts in Tashkent: The CCA Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s first permanent contemporary art center, is set to open this September, aiming to pull Central Asia’s creative scene further into the global spotlight. SCO Nuclear Safety: At the SCO summit in Bishkek, leaders adopted the bloc’s first dedicated declaration on nuclear safety and security, calling for tighter cooperation on regulation, emergency response, and stopping illicit trafficking of nuclear materials. Uzbekistan–India Trade Push: Uzbekistan and India are driving a major economic agenda, including a target to lift bilateral trade to $5 billion by 2030 and talks on long-term uranium supply and critical minerals. Visa and Connectivity Moves: Uzbekistan is also rolling out travel facilitation for Indians, including a 30-day visa-free entry regime during the Modi visit period. Independence Programs: Uzbekistan’s new national development programs focus on education, health, technology and labor productivity, while notably omitting political pluralism and press freedom reforms. Sports Focus: India’s U17 teams are in action ahead of AFC qualifiers, with Uzbekistan matchups in youth competitions and coaching appointments making headlines.

ADB & Connectivity: The Asian Development Bank approved a USD 400 mln BUILD facility to upgrade rail and road border crossings across the CAREC corridor, aiming to cut delays, modernize digital border checks, and boost trade and MSMEs in areas like agriculture, tourism, and transport. SCO Summit in Bishkek: SCO leaders adopted the “Bishkek Declaration” to deepen cooperation on security, trade, and technology, while rejecting “double standards” in the fight against terrorism and condemning unilateral coercion and sanctions. Water as a Red Line: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif warned that water must never be weaponised, echoing wider regional concerns raised at the summit. Uzbekistan-India Culture & Diplomacy: India’s PM Modi urged translating the Thirukkural into Uzbek and announced steps to preserve Uzbekistan’s Buddhist heritage and expand Hindi scholarships. Sports & Youth: Uzbekistan-linked regional action included Kok-boru/kokpar tournament draws in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbek judokas winning medals at the Lausanne Grand Slam. Regional Trade & Payments: India’s UPI hit record levels in August, while Uzbekistan-Russia talks in Bishkek highlighted growing bilateral trade and industrial cooperation.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Leaders adopted the Bishkek Declaration, pushing cooperation on security, trade, and technology as the bloc marks its 25th anniversary. Terror crackdown: India’s PM Modi urged SCO members to dismantle the “entire ecosystem of terrorism,” warning against “double standards.” Afghanistan talks: SCO states stressed the need for an inclusive Afghan government to secure lasting peace. Water diplomacy: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif said water is the region’s “lifeblood” and must never be “weaponised,” tying the message to the Indus Waters Treaty dispute. Uzbekistan-China ties: Xi Jinping told President Mirziyoyev China is ready to help usher in a “golden decade” of cooperation, including the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and digital economy. Defense update: Uzbekistan confirmed it is buying Chinese J-10CE fighter jets, joining Pakistan as a confirmed operator. Digital payments in Uzbekistan: UPI is expanding—NPCI International and Uzbekistan’s partners are enabling UPI merchant payments via UZQR, aimed at reducing cash and card reliance for visitors. Tashkent logistics: DP World and Tashkent Invest plan a $288m multimodal dry port with rail and warehousing, with construction set to start in October. Sports & culture: The World Nomad Games opened in Bishkek, with Uzbekistan athletes winning medals and tournament draws setting matchups for kok-boru and kokpar.

SCO Spotlight in Bishkek: More than 500 journalists are accredited for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, with 434 foreign reporters from 115 outlets—setting the stage for a packed leaders’ agenda. China–Uzbekistan “Golden Decade”: On the SCO sidelines, Xi Jinping met Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, marking the 10th anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership and urging progress on the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway plus cooperation in AI and desertification control. Uzbekistan–Russia Trade Push: Mirziyoyev also met Vladimir Putin, with both sides citing a 12% rise in trade since the year began and stressing momentum in industry, energy, transport and cultural ties. India–Uzbekistan Upgrade: India’s Modi visit to Tashkent produced a move to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including a long-term uranium-supply framework and a target to lift trade to $5bn by 2030. Payments Made Easier: NPCI International and Uzbekistan’s NIPC partnership will let Indian travelers pay in Uzbekistan by scanning UZQR using UPI apps. Sports & Culture: The SCO summit runs alongside Kyrgyzstan’s World Nomad Games, now in full swing at Bishkek Arena.

India–Uzbekistan Deal Push: PM Narendra Modi’s Uzbekistan visit lifted ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a target of $5bn trade by 2030 and a long-term uranium supply framework. Visa & Digital Payments: Uzbekistan announced 30-day visa-free entry for Indians, and UPI merchant payments are set to work in Uzbekistan via UZQR after NPCI International partnered with Uzbekistan’s NIPC/HUMO. SCO Spotlight in Bishkek: Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi in Bishkek ahead of the SCO summit, while leaders including Xi, Putin and Mirziyoyev discussed deeper cooperation and regional connectivity. Logistics Upgrade: DP World plans to start building a $288m Tashkent dry port in October 2026, aiming to cut cargo-handling costs. Security/Research: An Uzbek critical minerals scholar was reported arrested in Kazakhstan on espionage charges. Regional Trade Links: Türkiye’s trade with OTS members surged, with Uzbekistan among key partners.

India–Uzbekistan Green 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” and pledging to expand green cover. Digital Payments: India and Uzbekistan agreed to move toward UPI interoperability, so Indian travellers could use UPI for merchant payments in Uzbekistan by scanning the country’s UZQR within about a year. Strategic Partnership Upgrade: Modi’s Tashkent visit also delivered a long-term uranium supply arrangement, a foreign-minister coordination council, and an annual $5bn trade target, alongside 11 MoUs spanning defence, critical minerals, AI, agriculture, health and culture. SCO Summit in Bishkek: Modi arrived in Kyrgyzstan for the SCO summit, where leaders including Xi and Putin are expected to focus on security, connectivity and trade, with West Asia tensions likely on the agenda. Cultural & Sports Links: Uzbekistan’s kok-boru teams and an Uzbek cultural troupe are in the spotlight around the World Nomad Games and regional events.

India–Uzbekistan Upgrade: PM Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Tashkent ended with a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Uzbekistan, a $5bn trade target by 2030, and a long-term uranium supply framework plus cooperation on critical minerals, defence/security, digital public infrastructure (including UPI), health and education. State Honors & People-to-People: Uzbekistan awarded Modi its top foreign-leader honour, the Oliy Darajali Do’stlik Order, which he dedicated to the “enduring” India–Uzbek bond; the trip also included tributes to Lal Bahadur Shastri and a tree-planting ceremony. Visa & Digital Payments: Uzbekistan announced a 30-day visa-free entry for Indian citizens and moves to link UPI with Uzbekistan’s UZQR system to boost payments and tourism. Uzbek Economy: Uzbekistan launched an “economic amnesty” for small and medium enterprises, offering penalties relief if tax debts are settled by year-end. SCO Focus: Modi then flew to Bishkek for the 26th SCO Summit, arriving with security and counter-terrorism on the agenda, and is expected to meet SCO leaders including Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. Sports in Tashkent: India’s U20 begin AFC qualifiers in Tashkent against Syria, with Uzbekistan and Bangladesh in the group. Regional Trade: Afghanistan and Uzbekistan traders signed 20 deals worth $267m in Kashkadarya, covering food, textiles, construction materials, livestock and electronics.

India–Uzbekistan Diplomacy: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tashkent for a two-day state visit, warmly received by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the airport and during a car ride to the palace, with talks set to cover trade, investment, defence, critical minerals, energy, digital connectivity, education and people-to-people ties. Diaspora & Culture: Modi met the Indian community in Tashkent, where cultural performances and a rakhi gesture highlighted the “living bridge” role of the diaspora; he also laid a wreath at the Yangi Uzbekistan Monument. SCO Summit Focus: Modi will travel to Bishkek for the 26th SCO summit, pushing a “terror-free region” agenda alongside security, connectivity and opportunity. Energy & Industry: SOCAR’s Uzbekistan venture is framed as a shift toward a global operator, taking on operator status under a $2bn upstream project with targets up to 100m tons of oil and 35bn cubic meters of gas. Regional Trade Notes: Uzbekistan-linked export efforts also surfaced in coverage of dried fruit traders in Afghanistan’s Zabul seeking better market access, including via Uzbekistan. Afghanistan Policy: Mirziyoyev reiterated Uzbekistan’s constructive approach toward Afghanistan and said economic diplomacy remains a priority. Business Travel: A Uzbekistan visa facilitation center opened at GCCI to help local firms obtain visas without traveling to Islamabad.

India-Uzbekistan Diplomacy: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Tashkent for a two-day state visit, warmly received by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, with talks set on trade, investment, digital connectivity, defence, energy and education, plus visits to the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre. SCO Countdown: Modi will then head to Bishkek for the 26th SCO Summit on Aug 31–Sept 1, where India plans to push a security-first agenda focused on counter-terrorism and regional connectivity. People-to-People Signals: Modi laid a wreath at Yangi Uzbekistan Park’s Independence Monument and praised Uzbek students’ Hindi welcome videos, underscoring cultural ties. Regional Connectivity Project: China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway construction continues, with reports highlighting tunnel progress in Kyrgyzstan as the corridor links three countries. Uzbekistan’s Next Decade: President Mirziyoyev marked the 35th independence anniversary by declaring a “new era of national progress,” targeting GDP growth to $300bn by 2030 and outlining seven national programs. Trade Beyond Europe: Uzbekistan is stepping up outreach to African markets, with plans for an Uzbek business mission to South Africa and talks aimed at expanding trade and investment.

SCO Summit Focus: India’s PM Narendra Modi is set to arrive in Tashkent for a two-day state visit, then head to Bishkek for the 26th SCO Summit on Aug 31–Sep 1, pitching India’s priorities of security, connectivity and opportunity while aiming to deepen ties with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Bilateral Agenda: Talks are expected to cover trade and investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people links, with both sides aligning long-term plans like “Viksit Bharat 2047” and “Uzbekistan-2030,” plus cultural stops at the Shastri Memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre. Regional Strategy: A Tajik economist says China is helping broaden the SCO from a security bloc into a wider platform spanning economy, technology, transport and finance, including plans for an SCO development bank. Economy Update: Uzbekistan’s president says GDP could reach $300bn by 2030 and foreign investment inflows may total $450bn over the decade, alongside a push toward a high-tech, high-productivity model. Sports (Local Interest): Uzbekistan will host the CAFA U-17 Women’s Championship in mid-September, with teams from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Iran.

Uzbekistan–Singapore Trade Push: Singapore and Uzbekistan signed a joint statement to begin negotiations on a free trade agreement, with talks also covering investment, digital banking, special economic zones, and regular political-economic dialogue. Banking Deal: ABB Bank officially launched in Tashkent via its acquisition of Davr Bank, aiming to expand corporate and retail services under the ABB Davr brand. SCO Summit Diplomacy: PM Narendra Modi is set for a four-day visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan (Aug 29–Sep 1), with bilateral talks in Tashkent and attendance at the SCO summit in Bishkek, where Modi, Xi and Putin are expected to meet on the sidelines. Gold Revenues: Uzbekistan resumed gold exports in July, selling about $1.3bn, as gold remains a key foreign-currency earner. Tech & AI Pressure: Uzbekistan has approached the US to join Pax Silica after signing up to China’s Waico, signaling a push to keep options open in the AI supply-chain race. Healthcare Milestone: Uzbekistan carried out its first simultaneous liver-kidney transplant in a single operation.

SCO Diplomacy: India’s PM Narendra Modi will visit Uzbekistan Aug 29-30 and Kyrgyzstan Aug 31-Sep 1 for the 26th SCO summit, with Tashkent talks expected to cover trade, investment, defence, critical minerals, energy, digital connectivity, education and tech, plus visits to the Shastri memorial and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre; India-Russia Talks: Modi is also set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on the SCO sidelines, with energy and economic cooperation likely on the agenda; Trade & Industry: Qatar and Uzbekistan are exploring new private-sector deals in textiles and light industry via Qatar Chamber discussions, aiming to turn bilateral trade into something bigger; Border Modernization: The ADB approved a $400m facility to upgrade border crossing points across the CAREC region to cut logistics costs and speed movement of people and goods; Aral Sea Recovery: Chinese and Uzbek scientists report progress restoring the Aral Sea ecosystem after decades of shrinkage; Sports (Uzbekistan in focus): Uzbekistan hosts AFC U17 Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers next year, and India’s U17 women’s team drew 0-0 with Uzbekistan in a Tashkent friendly.

India–Uzbekistan Diplomacy: PM Narendra Modi will visit Uzbekistan on Aug 29–30 for state-level talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, then travel to Bishkek for the 26th SCO Summit on Aug 31–Sep 1, with agenda items spanning trade, investment, defense, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people ties. SCO Summit Logistics: Bishkek is preparing to host leaders at the newly opened “Yrys-Ordo” congress center as the SCO marks its 25th anniversary, with a broader “SCO+” meeting also expected. Sports (U-17 Women): Uzbekistan held India’s U-17 women to a 0-0 draw in a friendly in Tashkent; the teams meet again on Aug 30 ahead of AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers. Business & Energy: Qatar Chamber met Uzbekistan’s light industry agency to explore private-sector partnerships, while ACWA Power and Korea Western Power (KOWEPO) signed an MoU to assess renewable and storage projects in Uzbekistan. Finance: ABB Davr Bank’s launch in Tashkent signals ABB Bank’s move to acquire a controlling stake in Davr Bank, expanding Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan banking ties. Culture & Heritage: Uzbekistan plans a global calligraphy competition to create a unique copy of the Holy Qur’an, announced during its Islamic Civilization media forum in Tashkent.

Uzbek–China Diplomacy: Wang Yi met Saida Mirziyoyeva in Beijing, praising the “all-weather” strategic partnership and urging faster landmark projects, including the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway. Railway Progress (CKU line): Work continues on the Jalal-Abad South station in Manas, with completion targeted for end-2027, while tunnel construction advances on the Urumbash tunnel (209 meters built, about 24%); safety teams use helmet GPS tracking, worker counts, and emergency alerts. Health Scam Crackdown: India plans mandatory QR-code tracking for cancer drugs by July 2027 after a fake Keytruda racket involving refilled vials and hospital-linked arrests; reports mention victims including patients from Uzbekistan. Culture & Arts: Qatar Museums will open “Ektashif: Uzbekistan” on Sept 3 at the Museum of Islamic Art, featuring new works by seven Qatari artists inspired by visits to Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. Business Links: Dubai Chamber of Commerce launched a Uzbekistan Business Council to boost trade, investment, and bilateral events. Sports (Uzbek teams): Uzbekistan’s U-20 men and U-17 women are in Tashkent for friendlies as they prepare for AFC qualifiers.

Uzbek-Azerbaijan Diplomacy: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and First Lady Ziroatkhon Mirziyoyeva sent birthday congratulations to Azerbaijan’s First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, underscoring the warm ties and ongoing humanitarian and cultural cooperation. Islamic Culture & Museums: Qatar Museums announced “Ektashif: Uzbekistan,” opening Sep. 3 at the Museum of Islamic Art, featuring new works by seven Qatari artists inspired by travel through Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. Finance & Reserves: Uzbekistan’s central bank is seeking input from Goldman Sachs and BlackRock on investing its reserves, as gold makes up about 83% of roughly $77.1bn in international reserves. Textiles & Industry: Tashkent will host CAITME 2026 and the Global Textile Days week, bringing 250 companies from 17 countries to boost Central Asia’s textile machinery and production upgrades. Sports in Tashkent: India’s U20 men’s team named a 23-player squad for AFC U20 qualifiers in Tashkent (Aug 31–Sep 6), with matches vs Syria, hosts Uzbekistan, and Bangladesh. Regional Connectivity: A new bridge on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is under construction in Jalal-Abad, with a 122m-high structure and major progress on foundations and supports.

Islamic Media & AI: Uzbekistan’s media experts say AI should help bring Islamic history and scholarship to younger audiences, pointing to short-form platforms as the new way to keep the legacy “relevant and accessible.” Islamic Civilization Forum: Tashkent hosted an international media forum on Islamic civilization, with journalists and filmmakers discussing how to tell heritage stories using modern journalism and digital tools. Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan Deal: Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Uzbekistan culminated in a Treaty on Eternal Friendship and a push for $1 billion in trade, with expanded investment and Middle Corridor cooperation highlighted. Central Asia Rail Progress: On the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan line, the “Kosh-Dobo Northern No. 2” tunnel was completed, and Uzbekistan–China Exim Bank talks focused on accelerating $1bn+ investment projects. Gaming Regulation: GLI received official listing from Uzbekistan’s regulator, clearing the way for accepted testing and certification reports for the emerging gambling market. Sports in Tashkent: India’s U20 men’s team arrived unbeaten for AFC U20 qualifiers, and India’s U17 women’s team landed for two friendlies against Uzbekistan. Chess & Sanctions: FIDE rejected Russia’s bid to enter teams in the 2026 Chess Olympiad in Samarkand. Culture Abroad: Qatar Museums announced “Uzbekistan: Heritage in Motion,” opening in Doha on Sept 3.