Uzbekistan has introduced a 30-day visa-free regime for Indian citizens, opening a new chapter in travel and tourism ties between the two countries.

The announcement was made by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tashkent, as part of the Prime Minister's two-day State visit to Uzbekistan from August 29 to August 30. President Mirziyoyev said the new visa-free arrangement will support stronger people-to-people connections while encouraging tourism and business exchanges between India and Uzbekistan.

"India is our reliable strategic partner. Last year, our bilateral trade exceeded USD 1 billion for the first time. In recent years, the number of joint ventures has increased sevenfold. There are now 14 direct flights between our countries every week," Mirziyoyev said.

The Uzbek President also highlighted the growing economic and cultural links between the two countries. Bilateral trade has crossed USD 1 billion, while the number of joint ventures has increased sevenfold in recent years. There are currently 14 direct flights between India and Uzbekistan every week, supporting connectivity between the two markets. The new visa-free regime is expected to make travel easier for Indian visitors and could provide further momentum to Uzbekistan's tourism sector. It is also expected to support business travel and wider exchanges between people from both countries.

During the talks, Mirziyoyev pointed to the contribution of cultural institutions such as the Lal Bahadur Shastri Center for Indian Culture and the Mahatma Gandhi Center for Indian Studies in strengthening humanitarian and cultural ties. Yoga has also gained popularity in Uzbekistan, with a dedicated Yoga Federation operating in the country since 2018.

The Uzbek President added, "Visa-free regime for Indian citizens will make a significant contribution to the development of people-to-people contacts, tourism, and business exchanges."

India and Uzbekistan established diplomatic relations on March 18, 1992, when a protocol establishing diplomatic ties was signed in Tashkent. India was among the first countries to recognise Uzbekistan's sovereignty following its independence. The relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2011 and is supported by institutional mechanisms that enable regular engagement at political and official levels.

Prime Minister Modi's latest visit follows his earlier visit to Uzbekistan in 2015, along with his visits in 2016 and 2022 to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summits. The relationship has also seen high-level exchanges, including President Mirziyoyev's State Visit to India in 2018 and his participation in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in 2019.

Following his visit to Tashkent, PM Modi will travel to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov to participate in the 26th SCO Summit, marking 25 years of the organisation. The new 30-day visa-free arrangement is expected to make travel between India and Uzbekistan more convenient while opening further opportunities for tourism, business and people-to-people exchanges.

Search and rescue operations following the devastating Nepal-Tibet floods have entered their fourth day, with 1,924 people reported missing in Nepal, according to the country's disaster relief agency. The figure includes at least 517 foreign nationals, although authorities have reported different numbers as the situation continues to develop.

International aid agencies and governments have stepped up support for Nepal as rescue teams continue searching for survivors and assisting affected communities.

The European Union, Canada and the United States are among those that have announced plans to provide aid materials or financial assistance. The United Nations has also warned that tens of thousands of households are in need of food and emergency drinking water. According to Nepali officials, around 4,000 people have been rescued, while more than 500 deaths have been confirmed following the floods.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has also announced €2 million in immediate humanitarian aid for Nepal, saying the assistance will provide "life-saving assistance to families and communities hit hardest".

The disaster has also affected tourists who were travelling through the region, with many of those missing believed to have been on pilgrimage journeys. The area is an important destination for Hindus and Buddhists, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year to sacred sites. Indian nationals, including several pilgrims, make up the largest group of foreign visitors affected by the flash floods.

Many Indian pilgrims travel through Nepal towards Mount Kailash in Tibet, a 6,400-metre peak considered sacred by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. Nepal also attracts visitors from across the world for trekking and hiking.

The Rasuwa region in north-central Nepal, one of the areas hit hardest by the floods, is known for its hiking routes. Although August is not the peak trekking season, authorities believe some hikers may have been in the region when the floods struck. Satellite images taken before and after the floods and mudslides have provided a clear view of the destruction across towns and villages along the Nepal-Tibet border.

In images taken last month, the colourful buildings of Timure, Nepal, could be seen lining the river. Following the disaster, only a few buildings remain visible, with large parts of the area covered by mud, water and rock. With rescue operations continuing, authorities and relief agencies remain focused on locating those still missing, supporting survivors and delivering essential supplies to communities affected by the disaster.

Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, is set to bring its ASAI Hotels brand to Malaysia with the opening of ASAI Gamuda Cove on 15 September 2026. Located in the 1,530-acre Gamuda Cove township in Selangor, the 13-storey hotel is around 20 minutes by car from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

With 280 rooms, ASAI Gamuda Cove will be the largest ASAI property to date and the brand's first hotel outside a city neighbourhood. It will also become Dusit's second hotel in Malaysia, following Dusit Princess Melaka, which opened in December 2024.

The hotel follows ASAI's Live Local approach, with the surrounding nature and attractions playing a key role in the guest experience. It is located beside the 1,111-acre Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands, a nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary where guests can explore freshwater wetlands and spot native wildlife. The nearby 90-acre Wetlands Arboretum also offers walking trails, birdwatching and environmental learning activities.

For families and adventure seekers, SplashMania Waterpark is nearby with 39 slides and attractions, while Discovery Park offers outdoor recreation and entertainment. An electric tram network connects different parts of the township, making it easier for guests to move between its nature, leisure and commercial areas.

The hotel will offer a range of room categories, from compact rooms for solo travellers and couples to balcony rooms, bunk-bed options and a two-room family category that can accommodate up to six guests. Selected rooms will overlook the wetlands, while facilities include fast Wi-Fi, smart televisions, walk-in showers and practical storage.

Guests can also make use of an infinity pool overlooking the wetlands, a gym, co-working areas and flexible meeting and event spaces for up to 100 people. Dining will be spread across three venues, with Malaysian flavours at the heart of the offering.

Nasi & Khao will combine Malaysian and Thai comfort food with familiar Western dishes. Tea Shop will offer curated teas and light bites from morning until late, while the Pool Bar will serve handcrafted cocktails, refreshments and snacks alongside views of the infinity pool and Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands.

The property's location will also place guests around 20 minutes by car from Sepang International Circuit, where Formula 1 will return for the first time since 2017 with the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, scheduled from 2–4 October 2026.

"ASAI Gamuda Cove shows how our Live Local approach can work in a setting where nature, recreation, and a growing community come together," said Mr Chanin Donavanik, Group CEO, Dusit International. "It will give travellers a comfortable and practical base, provide local residents with new places to meet and dine, and put the wetlands and the wider township within easy reach. Opening just ahead of Formula 1's return gives us an excellent opportunity to demonstrate what ASAI offers to visitors from Malaysia and around the world. And the hotel's role will extend well beyond the race weekend: we want every stay to help guests experience more of the area and connect with the people who call it home."

ASAI Hotels focuses on travellers looking for well-designed essentials, accessible rates and a closer connection with the destinations they visit. The brand combines compact and functional rooms with social, dining and co-working spaces that reflect the local setting.

ASAI Gamuda Cove will become the brand's fourth operating hotel, joining ASAI Bangkok Chinatown, ASAI Bangkok Sathorn and ASAI Kyoto Shijo in Japan.

The Malaysian opening is another step in Dusit's expansion in the country. Following Dusit Princess Melaka in December 2024, the company is also preparing to open Dusit Princess Ipoh in October 2026, with further details to be announced soon.