Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to participate in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit being held from August 31 to September 1, 2026. During the visit, Modi will address the summit and highlight India’s priorities of security, connectivity and opportunity at the regional forum.
The summit is being held in Kyrgyzstan as the SCO marks the 25th anniversary of its establishment. India has been a full member of the organisation since 2017 and has remained actively engaged in its discussions on regional security, connectivity and cooperation.
PM Modi to address SCO leaders
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi will address the SCO Summit and outline India’s priorities at the forum. The focus on security, connectivity and opportunity reflects New Delhi’s broader approach to strengthening regional cooperation while addressing challenges affecting peace and development.
The summit brings together leaders of SCO member states for discussions on issues of common interest. Modi is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with SCO leaders on the sidelines of the summit.
Bishkek visit follows Uzbekistan trip
Modi’s Kyrgyzstan visit is part of his four-day Central Asia tour from August 29 to September 1. Before travelling to Bishkek, the Prime Minister visited Uzbekistan on August 29 and 30 for a bilateral engagement with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The Uzbekistan leg focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries, including cooperation in trade and investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people ties.
From Tashkent, Modi travelled to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov to attend the SCO Summit.
25 years of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
The 2026 SCO Summit has added significance as it coincides with the organisation’s 25th anniversary. The grouping was established to promote cooperation among its member states, with its agenda covering security, economic and regional cooperation.
India became a full member of the SCO in 2017, along with Pakistan. Since then, New Delhi has used the platform to engage with Central Asian countries as well as major regional powers on issues of security, connectivity and economic cooperation.
World Nomad Games opening ceremony
Apart from the SCO Summit, Modi will attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan.
The event is described by the Prime Minister’s Office as a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Central Asia. Modi’s participation adds a cultural dimension to the visit alongside the diplomatic engagements planned during the SCO meeting.
The World Nomad Games bring together participants in traditional sports and cultural activities associated with nomadic traditions.
Bilateral meetings on summit sidelines
Modi is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with SCO leaders during the Bishkek visit. Such meetings provide an opportunity for India to discuss bilateral and regional issues directly with participating countries.
The summit comes at a time when regional security, connectivity and economic cooperation remain important issues for countries across Central Asia and Eurasia. India’s participation is also part of its wider engagement with Central Asian partners.
India’s Central Asia outreach
The visit reflects India’s continued diplomatic focus on Central Asia. The Prime Minister’s itinerary combines bilateral engagement in Uzbekistan with multilateral participation in Kyrgyzstan, allowing New Delhi to pursue both country-specific partnerships and broader regional cooperation.
With the SCO Summit scheduled through September 1, attention will remain on India’s priorities at the forum, Modi’s address and his bilateral discussions with other participating leaders.
2.jpg)
1.jpg)
2.jpg)
1.jpg)
