The 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit began in Kyrgyzstan’s capital Bishkek on Tuesday, September 1, with heads of state and senior leaders gathering for discussions on regional security, connectivity, economic cooperation and other issues of common interest.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is representing India at the summit, which is being hosted by Kyrgyzstan from August 31 to September 1. The meeting is taking place at a time of significant geopolitical and economic developments across the Eurasian region and marks the 25th anniversary of the SCO.
Leaders gather in Bishkek
Leaders of SCO member countries have assembled in Bishkek for the high-level meeting, with the summit providing a platform for discussions on regional and international issues.
The SCO was established in 2001 and has expanded over the years to include 10 member states. India became a full member of the organisation in 2017, making the grouping an important platform for New Delhi’s engagement with Central Asia and other Eurasian countries.
The summit proceedings include round-table discussions among participating leaders, with security, economic cooperation and regional connectivity among the issues receiving attention.
PM Modi to present India’s priorities
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the summit and present India’s priorities within the SCO framework.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India’s priorities at the forum centre on Security, Connectivity and Opportunity. New Delhi has consistently emphasised the importance of combating terrorism and strengthening regional cooperation while promoting greater connectivity and economic engagement.
India’s participation also comes as New Delhi seeks to deepen its engagement with Central Asian countries and strengthen economic and strategic partnerships across the region.
Security remains a key issue
Regional security is expected to remain an important theme at the summit. The SCO has traditionally focused on counter-terrorism, extremism, separatism and other transnational security challenges.
India has repeatedly called for zero tolerance towards terrorism and stressed the need for greater international cooperation against terrorism and its financing.
The wider geopolitical situation is also expected to shape discussions among the participating leaders.
Connectivity and economic cooperation
Connectivity and economic cooperation are other major areas of India's engagement with the SCO.
New Delhi has advocated stronger transport and trade links with Central Asia and the wider Eurasian region. India also sees the SCO as a platform to expand cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, investment, energy and sustainable development.
Greater connectivity with Central Asian economies remains an important element of India's broader regional outreach.
Modi holds bilateral meetings on sidelines
The SCO summit is also providing an opportunity for Prime Minister Modi to hold bilateral discussions with other participating leaders.
Before the main summit proceedings, Modi met Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Bishkek. The meetings focused on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Modi also met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek. During their talks, the Indian Prime Minister reiterated India's position that the conflict in Ukraine should end and stressed the importance of peace and dialogue.
SCO marks 25 years
The 26th summit carries additional significance as the SCO completes 25 years.
For India, the Bishkek meeting provides an opportunity to reinforce its engagement with Central Asia while putting forward its positions on security, connectivity and economic cooperation.
The discussions in Bishkek are expected to shape the organisation's priorities and cooperation agenda as member states seek greater coordination on regional and international challenges.
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