Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, for the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. The two-day event marks 25 years since the grouping was founded.
Fighting terrorism and security threats
Regional security sits at the top of the agenda. Member states are focusing on counterterrorism initiatives and combating transnational threats through the group’s dedicated security framework.
Prior to the talks, PM Modi emphasized the need for a “region free from terrorism, separatism and extremism.”
Expanding trade and economic links
The leaders are discussing new transport networks, digital cooperation and energy security. Negotiations are also moving forward on creating an SCO Development Bank to finance major Eurasian infrastructure projects.
Addressing global conflicts
Ongoing global wars heavily influence the dialogue. PM Modi met directly with President Putin on the sidelines to urge a peaceful end to the Ukraine conflict.
During their meeting, Modi pushed for peace, stating, “We must move away from endless war and work towards an end to the war.” The leaders are also assessing rising tensions in West Asia.
Strengthening bilateral partnerships
Side-line diplomacy remains a key feature. Russian President Putin highlighted the growing ties between Moscow and New Delhi, noting, “Russian-Indian relations continue to strengthen on the basis of the principles of a special and privileged partnership.”
