Tashkent/New Delhi, 30 August (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from members of the Indian community after arriving in Uzbekistan on Saturday for a two-day visit aimed at further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.

A large number of members of the Indian diaspora gathered to welcome the Prime Minister in Tashkent. The gathering echoed with slogans of “Modi-Modi”, “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” as members of the community greeted him.

The welcome also carried a special festive touch, with women from the Indian community tying Rakhi on Prime Minister Modi’s wrist. PM Modi interacted with members of the community and acknowledged their greetings. Children and cultural performers also presented traditional programmes during the reception. The Prime Minister watched the performances and later met the young participants, shaking hands with them and encouraging them.

Earlier on Saturday, PM Modi was personally received at the airport by Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The gesture reflected the warmth and importance attached to the longstanding ties between India and Uzbekistan.

After his arrival, PM Modi accompanied President Mirziyoyev to the Yangi Uzbekistan Monument. The two leaders paid floral tributes at the monument and visited Yangi Uzbekistan Park, where they viewed exhibits showcasing Uzbekistan’s history, culture and national heritage.

PM Modi said beginning his visit at the monument was particularly meaningful and highlighted the significance of Uzbekistan’s journey of development and its aspirations for the future.

This is Modi’s fourth visit to Uzbekistan. His two-day visit, at the invitation of President Mirziyoyev, is focused on further consolidating the India-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership and expanding cooperation across several areas.

During his engagements with President Mirziyoyev, PM Modi is expected to review bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people ties. The two leaders will also discuss ways to advance their shared development visions of Viksit Bharat 2047 and Uzbekistan-2030.

The visit comes against the backdrop of steadily expanding bilateral relations between India and Uzbekistan. Cooperation between the two countries has grown across economic, technological, defence and energy sectors, with both sides seeking to explore new areas of partnership.

Following his engagements in Tashkent,PM Modi will travel to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit from August 31 to September 1.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar