PM Modi arrived for the 26th SCO Summit, bilateral talks with regional leaders and the opening ceremony of the World Nomad Games.
PM Modi receives traditional welcome in Bishkek
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kyrgyzstan on Sunday ahead of the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit, beginning a visit focused on regional security, economic connectivity and India’s strategic engagement with Central Asia.
Modi was received at the airport by Kasymaliev Adylbek Aleshovich, chairman of Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet of Ministers. A traditional Kyrgyz dance performance was organised to welcome the Indian prime minister and highlight the cultural relationship between the two countries.
Modi is visiting Kyrgyzstan at the invitation of President Sadyr Zhaparov. The SCO Summit is scheduled to take place from August 31 to September 1 in Bishkek, bringing together leaders from the organisation’s 10 member countries.
SCO Summit marks organisation’s 25th anniversary
The Bishkek gathering assumes added significance as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation marks 25 years since its establishment. The regional organisation was founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
India and Pakistan became full members in 2017, expanding the organisation’s political and economic influence. Iran joined in 2023, followed by Belarus in 2024, taking the SCO’s membership to 10 countries.
Discussions at the summit are expected to cover regional security, terrorism, separatism, extremism, trade, connectivity and cooperation among member states. India has consistently called for stronger action against terrorism while supporting connectivity initiatives that respect sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In his departure statement, Modi said India’s approach to the region is anchored in security, connectivity and opportunity. He expressed his intention to work with fellow SCO members toward a region free from terrorism, separatism and extremism.
PM Modi plans bilateral meetings with SCO leaders
The prime minister is expected to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit. His proposed engagements include talks with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov and Russian President Vladimir Putin, along with discussions with other participating leaders.
The bilateral meetings are likely to focus on strategic cooperation, trade, energy, defence, connectivity and regional developments. Modi’s meeting with Zhaparov is expected to provide fresh momentum to India-Kyrgyzstan relations and strengthen cooperation in education, healthcare, security and cultural exchanges.
His expected interaction with Putin will also attract attention amid continuing geopolitical tensions and India’s efforts to maintain dialogue with major global partners. The SCO platform gives New Delhi an opportunity to engage simultaneously with Russia, China, Central Asian nations and other regional stakeholders.
India strengthens its Central Asia engagement
Modi will also attend the opening ceremony of the sixth World Nomad Games, an international sporting and cultural event celebrating the traditional heritage of nomadic communities. His participation adds a cultural dimension to a visit largely centred on diplomacy and regional cooperation.
The prime minister said the trip would strengthen India’s strategic partnerships in Central Asia, deepen its civilisational connection with the region and support the shared pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity.
India views Central Asia as an important part of its extended neighbourhood. The Bishkek visit offers New Delhi another opportunity to expand political engagement, improve economic cooperation and present its priorities on security and connectivity at a major regional forum.
