SCO Summit 2026 Begins: Modi, Putin, Xi Talks in Focus

The SCO Summit 2026 began in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek on Monday, bringing Prime Minister Narendra Modi together with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other leaders at a time of major geopolitical and economic shifts.

The two-day summit, being held on August 31 and September 1, marks the 25th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Regional security, counter-terrorism, trade, energy, transport connectivity and digital cooperation are among the major issues expected to dominate discussions.

For India, Modi's bilateral engagements on the sidelines are expected to draw particular attention. A meeting with Putin has been scheduled, while a possible interaction with Xi is also being closely watched as New Delhi manages its relationships with Russia and China.

Modi Arrives in Bishkek

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Bishkek on Sunday after completing his visit to Uzbekistan. He is attending the summit at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the SCO brings together 10 member states, 15 partner countries and two observer countries to promote dialogue and cooperation on regional and global issues.

Before leaving India, Modi said his approach to the region would focus on security, connectivity and opportunity. He also stressed the need for a region free from terrorism, separatism and extremism.

Putin Meeting on Agenda

Modi's scheduled meeting with Putin is one of the key bilateral engagements at the summit.

The two leaders are expected to review the broader India-Russia relationship, including economic cooperation and areas of strategic interest. The meeting comes days after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with Putin in Moscow.

India and Russia have maintained close strategic ties across defence, energy and trade. Their discussions in Bishkek are expected to provide an opportunity to assess the relationship amid changing global conditions.

Xi Meeting Closely Watched

A possible Modi-Xi interaction is another major focus for India.

The two leaders last appeared together at the 2025 SCO summit in Tianjin, where their interaction drew attention amid efforts to stabilise India-China ties following years of tensions along the Line of Actual Control.

India and China have since worked to improve bilateral engagement. Any fresh conversation between Modi and Xi in Bishkek could therefore attract significant attention, particularly on border stability and broader bilateral relations.

A meeting between the two leaders, however, should be treated as likely rather than confirmed until officially announced.

Security Tops Agenda

Security remains central to the SCO's agenda.

The grouping is expected to discuss counter-terrorism, regional security and transnational threats alongside wider geopolitical developments. The ongoing West Asia conflict, the Ukraine war and other regional issues are also expected to figure in discussions.

For India, counter-terrorism remains a major priority. New Delhi has consistently argued for stronger international cooperation against terrorism and violent extremism.

The summit also provides India with a platform to engage Central Asian states on shared security concerns.

Trade and Connectivity

Economic cooperation is another important pillar of the Bishkek meeting.

Leaders are expected to discuss trade, transport and logistics connectivity, energy cooperation and measures to deepen economic engagement among member states.

Connectivity has particular significance for India because stronger links with Central Asia can support trade and strategic engagement with the wider Eurasian region.

Energy cooperation is also expected to receive attention as member states explore ways to strengthen energy systems and improve cooperation in the sector.

Digital Cooperation Expands

The SCO's agenda has increasingly moved beyond traditional security concerns.

Digital development, information technology and artificial intelligence are emerging as important areas of cooperation. Member states have discussed the need for greater collaboration on digital development and an open and inclusive digital environment.

For India, the digital agenda offers an opportunity to highlight its experience in digital public infrastructure and technology-driven development while exploring cooperation with other SCO members.

SCO Marks 25 Years

The SCO was established in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became full members in 2017, followed by Iran in 2023 and Belarus in 2024. The grouping now has 10 member states.

The organisation originated from the Shanghai Five framework created in 1996 to address regional security and border issues.

Over the past 25 years, the SCO has expanded its agenda from security cooperation to trade, energy, transport, technology and wider regional diplomacy.

The Bishkek summit is expected to produce the Bishkek Declaration and other documents outlining the grouping's priorities for its next phase.

What Next: The SCO Summit 2026 will continue through September 1, with leaders expected to discuss security, counter-terrorism, economic cooperation, connectivity, energy and digital development. For India, the key outcomes will include Modi's bilateral discussions with Putin and other leaders, developments in India-China engagement and the bloc's future direction as it enters its next 25 years.

The summit will also test how effectively the SCO Summit 2026 can translate its broad regional agenda into practical cooperation among its 10 member states.