Preparations have been completed at Bishkek’s Yrys Ordo Congress Hall ahead of the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to represent India at the high-level meeting on Tuesday.
The summit, being hosted by Kyrgyzstan on August 31 and September 1, brings together leaders of SCO member states to discuss regional security, connectivity, economic cooperation and other issues affecting the wider Eurasian region. The 2026 meeting also marks the 25th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Yrys Ordo Congress Hall ready for leaders
The Yrys Ordo Congress Hall has been prepared to host the summit, with security and other arrangements put in place ahead of the arrival and participation of leaders and delegations.
Bishkek has been preparing for the major diplomatic gathering, which is expected to bring together heads of state and senior representatives from across the SCO grouping.
The venue will serve as the principal location for the summit’s high-level proceedings.
PM Modi to address the SCO Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the summit on September 1. According to the Indian government, he will highlight three broad priorities at the forum — Security, Connectivity and Opportunity.
Security is expected to remain a key part of India’s message, particularly in the context of terrorism and other transnational challenges facing the region. India has consistently called for stronger cooperation among SCO members against terrorism, separatism and extremism.
Connectivity and economic cooperation
Connectivity is another important area for India at the SCO. New Delhi has been advocating improved transport and economic links across Central Asia and the wider region.
India’s participation also comes with an emphasis on creating greater opportunities for trade, investment, technology and development among SCO countries.
The grouping provides India with a platform to engage with major regional economies while strengthening its relationships with Central Asian countries.
India has been SCO member since 2017
India became a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in 2017. Since then, the grouping has become an important part of India's engagement with Central Asia and the broader Eurasian region.
The SCO currently includes 10 member countries, including India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Iran and the Central Asian states.
For New Delhi, the organisation provides a multilateral platform to discuss security concerns as well as economic and connectivity issues.
Summit comes amid wider regional challenges
The Bishkek summit is taking place against the backdrop of conflicts and geopolitical tensions in different parts of the world.
India has maintained that dialogue and diplomacy remain important for resolving international disputes. PM Modi’s meetings on the sidelines of the summit are also expected to provide opportunities to discuss bilateral and regional issues with other participating leaders.
Before the summit, Modi held bilateral discussions with leaders including Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
25 years of the SCO
The 26th SCO Summit has additional significance as the organisation completes 25 years.
For India, the summit provides an opportunity to reinforce its priorities on regional security, stronger connectivity and economic opportunities while engaging with other major Eurasian powers.
PM Modi’s address at the Yrys Ordo Congress Hall will therefore be closely watched for India's position on regional security, connectivity and cooperation within the SCO framework.
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