AGP Executive Report

US Open Focus: Top seed Aryna Sabalenka steamrolled Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova’s compatriot Polina Iatcenko 6-1, 6-1 to reach the third round, setting up a next clash with Rakhimova. Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan Water: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan held talks on protecting shared transboundary water resources, including a roadmap for the Tashkent transboundary aquifer through 2030. Transport & Trade Links: A meeting in Bishkek around the SCO summit underscored regional connectivity, while Uzbekistan’s broader push for cooperation continues across energy and infrastructure. Cars for Citizens: Uzbekistan plans to let citizens temporarily import foreign-registered vehicles for personal, non-commercial use, with customs digitisation steps due by 2027. Energy & Industry: Uzbekistan unveiled progress on an integrated nuclear power plant in Jizzakh, including major earthworks and a push to raise local supply content. Regional Security: South Korea detained one Uzbek and questioned others over alleged financing and support for a Syria-based terrorist group. Culture Abroad: Qatar Museums opened two exhibitions on Uzbek heritage at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha.

SCO Nuclear Safety: Uzbekistan is among SCO members backing the bloc’s first nuclear safety and security declaration, calling for tougher cooperation on regulation, emergency response and stopping illicit trafficking of nuclear materials as Iran tensions rise. Uzbekistan-India Trade Push: Uzbekistan and India are aiming to lift bilateral trade to $5 billion by 2030, with uranium and critical minerals cooperation at the center of talks after their recent upgrade to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Sports in Tashkent: India’s U20 men’s team faces hosts Uzbekistan in a key AFC U20 qualifier in Tashkent after both sides won their openers. Regional Diplomacy: US envoys met Central Asian leaders in Bishkek amid SCO summit diplomacy, underscoring ongoing outreach to the region. Land Restoration Partnership: Uzbekistan renewed the accreditation of ICBA’s Tashkent office through 2029, supporting drought resilience and land restoration work across arid and saline areas. Security Watch: South Korea detained an Uzbek citizen over alleged crypto-linked support to a Syria-based terrorist group, with additional suspects under investigation. Culture & Arts: Uzbekistan’s first permanent contemporary art center in Tashkent, the CCA Tashkent, is set to open this September.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Leaders marked the SCO’s 25th anniversary and adopted the “Bishkek Declaration,” pledging deeper cooperation on security, trade and technology, while rejecting “double standards” in counter-terrorism and condemning US-Israel strikes on Iran. Water as a red line: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif warned against weaponising water, calling it the region’s lifeblood. Uzbekistan-India cultural push: India’s PM Narendra Modi urged translating the Tamil classic Thirukkural into Uzbek and announced steps to preserve Uzbekistan’s Buddhist heritage and expand Hindi scholarships. Digital payments momentum: India’s UPI hit record levels in August, and Uzbekistan is moving to enable UPI-style payments via partnerships, boosting cross-border convenience. Regional connectivity: ADB approved a $400m BUILD facility for CAREC border upgrades, targeting faster, cheaper rail and road crossings. Sports & culture: Uzbekistan-linked SCO events included Kok-boru/kokpar tournament draws and chess “diplomacy” after Modi gifted a World Cup scoresheet to Uzbek President Mirziyoyev.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev joined Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and PM Narendra Modi as SCO leaders adopted the Bishkek Declaration, pledging deeper cooperation on security, trade and technology and calling for a more “representative” multipolar order. Terrorism & Afghanistan: Modi urged SCO members to dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorism and push for peace in Afghanistan via inclusive governance. Water as a red line: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif told the summit water must never be weaponised, stressing binding Indus Waters Treaty commitments. Uzbek-India ties: Modi’s visit to Uzbekistan ended with plans to lift bilateral trade to $5bn by 2030 and a likely long-term uranium supply framework. Digital payments: UPI’s surge hit a record 24.51bn transactions in August, while Uzbekistan is set to expand cross-border UPI use via UZQR for Indian travellers. Defense update: Uzbekistan confirmed it will buy China’s J-10CE fighters. World Nomad Games: Uzbekistan’s teams face Kyrgyzstan in kok-boru/kokpar group draws, with wrestling medals also reported from day one.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: The 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit kicked off in Kyrgyzstan with Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev attending, as more than 500 journalists were accredited to cover the two-day event. Uzbekistan-Russia ties: On the sidelines, Mirziyoyev met Vladimir Putin, reviewing progress in trade (up 12% this year) and major projects in industry, energy, transport and culture. Uzbekistan-China push: Xi Jinping met Mirziyoyev, calling for a “golden decade” and urging faster progress on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway plus cooperation in AI and desertification control. India-Uzbekistan momentum: During Modi’s SCO-linked diplomacy, India’s PM told Putin to move from endless war to peace, while coverage around Uzbekistan highlights the growing India-Uzbekistan agenda on trade, minerals and energy. Cross-border security: Separately, four Uzbek men were arrested in South Korea over alleged financing and logistics support for a Syria-based terrorist group. Payments upgrade: Uzbekistan’s national QR system UZQR is set to enable UPI payments for Indian travelers via a partnership with Uzbekistan’s HUMO and NPCI International.

Uzbekistan–India Upgrade: PM Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev elevated ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, set a USD 5 billion trade target by 2030, and agreed on a long-term uranium supply arrangement. Visa-Free Travel for Indians: Uzbekistan announced a 30-day visa-free entry for Indian citizens, with details rolling out alongside the visit. UPI Goes Live in Uzbekistan: NPCI International and Uzbekistan’s NIPC/HUMO partnership will let Indians pay at Uzbek merchants by scanning UZQR using UPI apps. SCO Summit Focus: In Bishkek, SCO leaders are spotlighting regional security, counterterror cooperation (Tashkent’s RATS role), and connectivity projects, as Iran and the Middle East stay high on the agenda. China–Uzbekistan “Golden Decade”: Xi Jinping told Mirziyoyev China is ready to deepen cooperation, including AI and desertification control, and push high-quality progress on the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway. Regional Watch: Uzbekistan’s critical minerals scholar Iqboljon Karabaev was reported arrested in Kazakhstan on espionage charges. Logistics Push: DP World plans to start construction of a $288m Tashkent dry port in October 2026 to link rail, road, warehousing, and customs.

India–Uzbekistan Strategic Upgrade: PM Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev elevated ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, set a $5bn trade target by 2030, and agreed on a long-term uranium supply framework, alongside new cooperation in defence, digital payments, critical minerals, healthcare, education and culture. Diplomatic Coordination: The leaders will create a Foreign Ministers-led mechanism to steer and speed up implementation of priority projects. Cultural & Education Links: Modi paid tribute at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial in Tashkent, visited the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, and highlighted Hindi education, including a Shastri Scholarship for Uzbek students. Green Commitments: The two sides marked the visit with tree-planting, linking India’s Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam and Uzbekistan’s Yashil Makon to expand green cover. Digital Payments Push: India and Uzbekistan moved toward UPI interoperability for merchant payments in Uzbekistan, with rollout expected within a year. SCO Summit Context: Modi then headed to Bishkek for the SCO summit, where leaders including Xi and Putin are expected to focus on security, connectivity and regional issues.

India-Uzbekistan Strategic Upgrade: PM Narendra Modi and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev elevated ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, targeting $5bn trade by 2030 and agreeing on a long-term uranium supply framework plus cooperation on critical minerals, defence, digital public infrastructure (UPI), and health/pharma. Visa & Payments Push: Uzbekistan announced a 30-day visa-free entry for Indian citizens, while India’s UPI is set to work with Uzbekistan’s UZQR for easier merchant payments. Top State Honour: Mirziyoyev conferred Modi Uzbekistan’s highest foreign-leader award, Oliy Darajali Do’stlik, which Modi dedicated to the “enduring bond” between the two countries. Green Diplomacy: Modi and Mirziyoyev planted a tree together at the presidential palace, linking the visit to shared sustainability goals. SCO Momentum: Modi then flew to Bishkek for the 26th SCO Summit, with security and connectivity on the agenda. Security Tech Watch: Uzbekistan confirmed it will be the second buyer of China’s J-10C fighter, a design linked to Israel’s earlier Lavi project. Business Relief: Uzbekistan introduced an economic amnesty for small and medium enterprises, offering penalties relief if tax debts are settled by year-end.

India-Uzbekistan State Visit: PM Narendra Modi arrived in Tashkent for a two-day state visit, received by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the airport and later visiting the Yangi Uzbekistan Monument, while talks are set to cover trade, investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people ties. Diaspora Spotlight: Modi drew a big crowd of the Indian community, calling the diaspora a “living bridge” between the two countries, with cultural performances and even rakhi exchanges during the welcome. SCO Summit Setup: After Uzbekistan, Modi will travel to Bishkek for the 26th SCO Summit, pushing an agenda centered on security, connectivity and opportunity, with a possible sideline meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Energy Deal Watch: SOCAR’s Uzbekistan venture moves from national champion to global operator, taking on operator status under a major upstream project with Uzbekneftegaz. Business Travel Facilitation: A Uzbekistan Visa Facilitation Center opened at GCCI to help local firms get visas without traveling to Islamabad. Sports (Local Interest): Uzbekistan’s presence in regional sports continues, including mentions tied to handball and judo events.

India-Uzbekistan Diplomacy: PM Narendra Modi arrived in Tashkent for talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, with cooperation on trade, investment, digital connectivity, defence, energy and people-to-people ties on the agenda; Modi also laid a wreath at Yangi Uzbekistan Park’s Independence Monument and is set to visit the Shastri Memorial and Gandhi Centre. SCO Summit Build-up: Modi will then head to Bishkek for the 26th SCO Summit, where leaders from 17 countries and UN chief António Guterres are expected, with Uzbekistan pushing the “Shanghai Spirit” and a security-plus-development agenda. Regional Connectivity: Coverage highlights the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway progress, including major tunnel works, as a practical boost to Middle Corridor links. Uzbekistan Independence Celebrations: Uzbekistan marked 35 years of independence with major cultural events in New Tashkent, including drone shows and international performances. Culture & Friendship: A Pakistan-Uzbekistan concert in Islamabad celebrated shared history through music and heritage, while Uzbek kids’ Hindi welcome videos went viral ahead of Modi’s visit. Sports Note: Uzbekistan’s Arslonbek Tojiev won -81 kg gold in Lausanne, adding to the week’s Central Asian sporting momentum.

India-Uzbekistan ties: Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a four-day trip to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, starting with a two-day state visit to Tashkent at President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s invitation. Bilateral agenda: Leaders are set to review cooperation in trade and investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people links, aligning India’s “Viksit Bharat 2047” with Uzbekistan’s “Uzbekistan-2030.” SCO focus: Modi then heads to Bishkek for the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit on Aug 31–Sep 1, pushing an SCO vision built on security, connectivity and opportunity. Critical minerals: India’s ambassador says both sides will explore long-term supply arrangements for critical minerals alongside energy and strategic cooperation. Regional trade push: Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan also aim to lift mutual trade to $3bn, citing transport and logistics links and industrial projects. Sports (Uzbekistan link): Uzbekistan is among the opponents in the Asian Games group stage for the Philippines women’s football team.

Uzbekistan–Azerbaijan Finance: ABB Bank officially launched its Davr Bank takeover in Tashkent, with ABB set to operate in Uzbekistan under the ABB Davr brand and bring digital and AI solutions for corporate and retail clients. Uzbekistan–Singapore Trade: Tashkent and Singapore signed a joint statement to start negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement, alongside investment and industry cooperation deals. SCO Diplomacy: India’s PM Narendra Modi is set for a four-day visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan (Aug 29–Sep 1), with a likely Modi–Putin meeting on SCO sidelines in Bishkek as Xi and Putin also attend. Uzbekistan–China Tech & Security: Uzbekistan approached the US to join Pax Silica on AI supply chains after signing up to China’s Waico, reflecting pressure to choose sides in the AI race. Economy & Exports: Uzbekistan resumed gold exports in July, selling $1.3bn, while gold’s share of exports remains a key foreign-currency driver. Health: Uzbekistan carried out its first simultaneous liver-kidney transplant at the National Medical Center in Samarkand region. Sports: India’s U17 women’s team continues preparations in Uzbekistan before friendlies in Goa against the Philippines.

SCO Summit Focus: India’s PM Narendra Modi will visit Uzbekistan (Aug 29-30) and then Kyrgyzstan (Aug 31-Sep 1) for the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, with talks in Tashkent expected to cover trade, investment, defence, critical minerals, healthcare, energy and digital connectivity, and a possible Modi-Putin meeting on the SCO sidelines. Trade & Industry: Qatar and Uzbekistan are exploring new private-sector deals in textiles and light industry, while Uzbekistan’s foreign trade in Jan–Jul hit $49.5bn, with exports down and imports up, widening the trade deficit to $9.67bn. Regional Connectivity & Borders: The ADB approved a $400m CAREC facility to modernize border crossing points and cut logistics costs. Aral Sea Restoration: Chinese and Uzbek scientists report progress on restoring the Aral Sea ecosystem. Culture & Heritage: Uzbekistan’s Islamic Civilization Center announced an international calligraphy competition to create a unique copy of the Holy Qur’an. Sports (Uzbekistan in the spotlight): Uzbekistan hosted an India U-17 women’s friendly that ended 0-0, and Uzbekistan is set to host AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.

Islamic Heritage & Culture: Uzbekistan’s Islamic Civilization Center announced an international calligraphy competition to create a unique copy of the Holy Qur’an, bringing together calligraphers from around the world and showcasing major Arabic calligraphy traditions. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Indian PM Narendra Modi will visit Uzbekistan on Aug 29–30 and then Kyrgyzstan for the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek on Aug 31–Sep 1, with talks expected to cover trade, investment, defense, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people links. Energy & Renewables: ACWA Power and Korea Western Power (KOWEPO) signed an MoU to explore renewable energy, storage and related infrastructure opportunities in Uzbekistan. Business & Finance: ABB Davr Bank’s project in Uzbekistan was launched in Tashkent, with ABB set to acquire a controlling stake in Davr Bank; the deal follows a share purchase agreement signed earlier. Sports: Uzbekistan held India U-17 women to a 0-0 draw in a friendly in Tashkent, with a second match set for Aug 30. Tech & Regulation: Uzbekistan’s gambling market regulator listed GLI as an approved testing and certification lab, paving a compliant route for gaming products to enter the market. Archaeology: Researchers say a rare 2,200-year-old Hellenistic military camp may have been found in southern Uzbekistan at Iskandar Tepa.

Uzbek–China Diplomacy: China’s top diplomat Wang Yi met Saida Mirziyoyeva in Beijing, praising the “all-weather” strategic partnership and urging faster delivery of landmark projects like the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway. Digital Trade & Talent: IT PARK Uzbekistan expanded its Los Angeles operation, aiming to connect U.S. firms directly with Central Asia’s BPO/KPO and engineering talent. Railway Progress (CKU line): Work continues on major CKU infrastructure in Kyrgyzstan, including the Urumbash tunnel (209 meters built, ~24%) and the Jalal-Abad South station, with completion targeted for end-2027. Health Scam Crackdown: India moves to mandate QR-code tracking for cancer drugs after a fake Keytruda racket, with reports noting victims included patients from Uzbekistan. Culture & Tourism: Qatar Museums announced “Ektashif: Uzbekistan” opening Sept 3 in Doha, while Uzbekistan–China–Mongolia discussed green tech to restore degraded drylands at UNCCD COP17. Business Links: Dubai Chamber launched a Uzbekistan Business Council to boost trade and investment ties.

Uzbek-Azeri Diplomacy: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev sent birthday congratulations to Azerbaijan’s First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, praising her work in education, science, culture and strengthening Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan ties. Railway Mega-Projects: Construction on the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan rail link continues, with tunneling on the “Kosh-Dobo Northern No. 2” tunnel completed in 87 days and bridge works progressing toward major milestones, including the longest bridge in Manas and the 122-meter-high bridge in Jalal-Abad. Central Asia Connectivity Finance: A CAREC forum in Tashkent highlighted that unlocking the Middle Corridor needs private capital and broader financial infrastructure, not just traditional bank lending. Tourism & Culture: UiTM is sending students to Uzbekistan to create creative tourism content, while Qatar Museums announced “Ektashif: Uzbekistan” opening Sep. 3 at the Museum of Islamic Art, featuring new works inspired by visits to Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. Sports in Tashkent: India’s U20 squad was named for AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers in Tashkent (Aug 31–Sep 6), with Uzbekistan among Group B opponents.