PM Modi joins SCO leaders for group photo at 26th Summit in Bishkek
Synopsis
PM Modi's presence at the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek is more than a photo-op — it signals India's continued push to deepen its Central Asia footprint. With bilateral talks with Kyrgyzstan's president and a clear three-pillar vision of Security, Connectivity and Opportunity, Modi is positioning India as an indispensable voice in a region that global powers are increasingly courting.
Key Takeaways
PM Modi joined SCO leaders for an official group photograph at the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek on 1 September .
Modi held bilateral talks with Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Zhaparov , reaffirming the India-Kyrgyzstan Strategic Partnership .
The Indian diaspora in Bishkek welcomed Modi with chants of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and cultural performances, including yoga.
Modi was received at Manas International Airport by Adylbek Kasymaliev , Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic.
India has been an SCO member since 2017 ; Modi outlined a vision centred on Security, Connectivity and Opportunity for the region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined heads of state and government for an official group photograph at the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on 1 September, as India participated in key deliberations of the influential regional bloc. The summit marks one of Modi's most significant multilateral engagements in Central Asia this year.
Bilateral Meeting with Kyrgyzstan President
On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi held talks with Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Zhaparov, during which both leaders reviewed progress in India-Kyrgyzstan bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the Strategic Partnership between the two nations. The discussions are expected to add momentum to cooperation across areas of mutual interest, including trade, connectivity, and people-to-people ties.
Warm Welcome from Indian Diaspora
On his arrival in Bishkek on Sunday, PM Modi received an enthusiastic reception from members of the Indian community, who greeted him with chants of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram'. The welcome programme featured cultural performances by Kyrgyz artists, which Modi appreciated, and a group of yoga enthusiasts performed yoga as part of the event. 'From Bharat to Bishkek, a very special welcome by the Indian community earlier this evening,' Modi wrote in a post on X.
Modi was received at Manas International Airport by Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic. 'Landed in Bishkek a short while ago. Grateful to Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, for the warm welcome,' he posted on X shortly after landing.
India's Vision for the SCO Region
In his departure statement before embarking on his two-nation tour covering Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, PM Modi described India as an 'active and constructive member' of the SCO since joining the grouping in 2017. He outlined India's vision for the region as centred on three pillars — Security, Connectivity and Opportunity — and expressed commitment to working with fellow SCO members toward a region free from terrorism, separatism, and extremism.
Broader Context and What Comes Next
India's participation in the 26th SCO Summit underscores its sustained engagement with Central Asia at a time when the region is gaining strategic importance amid shifting global alignments. Notably, this summit comes as SCO members navigate complex geopolitical dynamics, with India consistently advocating dialogue and multilateral cooperation within the framework. PM Modi is scheduled to hold multiple bilateral meetings during the visit, further cementing India's diplomatic footprint in the region.
Point of View
And India's three-pillar framing — Security, Connectivity, Opportunity — is a well-worn formulation that has yet to be backed by a flagship Central Asia project of comparable scale to China's Belt and Road footprint in the region. The bilateral with Zhaparov is useful optics, but the real test of India's SCO engagement is whether it can convert goodwill into concrete connectivity corridors and trade volumes. Until then, the group photograph remains the most visible deliverable.
NationPress
1 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 26th SCO Summit and where was it held?
The 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit is a gathering of leaders from SCO member states, held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on 1 September. India has been a full member of the SCO since 2017 and participates in the bloc's key deliberations on regional security, connectivity, and economic cooperation.
What did PM Modi discuss with Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Zhaparov?
PM Modi and President Sadyr Zhaparov reviewed progress in India-Kyrgyzstan bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Strategic Partnership between the two countries. The talks are expected to provide momentum to cooperation across trade, connectivity, and other areas of mutual interest.
How did the Indian community receive PM Modi in Bishkek?
Members of the Indian diaspora welcomed PM Modi at a reception in Bishkek with chants of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram'. The event also featured cultural performances by Kyrgyz artists and a yoga demonstration. Modi described it as 'a very special welcome' in a post on X.
What is India's stated vision for the SCO region?
PM Modi has outlined India's vision for the SCO region around three pillars: Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity. He has also emphasised working with fellow SCO members to build a region free from terrorism, separatism, and extremism.
Who received PM Modi on his arrival in Bishkek?
PM Modi was received at Manas International Airport in Bishkek by Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic. Modi acknowledged the welcome in a post on X shortly after landing.
