Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev jointly planted a tree at the Presidential Palace in Tashkent on Sunday, 30 August, symbolising the two nations' shared environmental commitment under India's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative and Uzbekistan's 'Yashil Makon' greening programme. The gesture came on the second day of Modi's two-day state visit to the Central Asian nation.

What the Tree-Planting Symbolised

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the joint act as a reflection of the two countries' resolve to nurture a greener and more sustainable future. 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' — meaning 'One Tree in Mother's Name' — is India's nationwide tree-planting drive, while Uzbekistan's 'Yashil Makon' translates to 'Green Space' and is part of President Mirziyoyev's broader urban greening agenda. The convergence of the two programmes at a presidential setting underscored the depth of the bilateral engagement beyond trade and security.

High-Level Talks at Kuksaroy Residence

Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi held delegation-level talks with President Mirziyoyev at the Kuksaroy Residence — the official presidential venue — covering trade, investment, industrial cooperation, interregional ties, and cultural exchange. Both leaders agreed to elevate Uzbekistan-India relations to a new level, according to the Press Service of the Uzbekistan President.

The Indian delegation included External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Secretary (West) Sibi George of the Ministry of External Affairs, among other senior officials.

Yoga Session Adds Cultural Dimension

In a distinctive cultural highlight, Prime Minister Modi witnessed a special yoga session featuring 52 practitioners from Uzbekistan. The participants included six members of the Yoga Federation of Uzbekistan who had represented their country at the First World Yogasana Championship 2026, held in Ahmedabad in June 2026.

Modi shared glimpses of the session on his X account, saying: 'Namaste, you all have showcased excellent Yoga performance today. People of all ages are present here. I express my gratitude to my friend, the President, for connecting Uzbekistan with Yoga. Many congratulations.' The session highlighted Yoga's growing footprint across Central Asia.

State Visit: Key Context

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Tashkent on Saturday, 29 August, for the two-day state visit, and was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Palace. President Mirziyoyev personally received Modi at the palace entrance, and both leaders exchanged warm greetings. This visit is part of India's sustained diplomatic outreach to Central Asia, a region where New Delhi has been deepening connectivity, trade, and people-to-people ties. Notably, the visit follows a broader pattern of India-Uzbekistan engagement that has grown steadily since the two nations elevated their ties to a Strategic Partnership.

The outcomes of the talks — including any agreements or memoranda of understanding signed — are expected to be detailed in a joint statement. Both nations are likely to build on the framework established during previous bilateral meetings.