Modi, Xi Jinping and Putin Set to Share Stage at SCO Summit in Bishkek Today

New Delhi: A high-profile gathering of global leaders is set to take place in Central Asia as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other prominent leaders attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.

The two-day summit, being held on August 31 and September 1, coincides with the SCO’s 25th anniversary. Leaders are expected to discuss regional security, terrorism, cross-border threats, trade, energy, transport connectivity and digital cooperation. The ongoing conflicts in West Asia, the Russia-Ukraine war and other regional developments are also likely to figure prominently in discussions.

PM Modi Arrives in Bishkek

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bishkek on Sunday after concluding his two-day visit to Uzbekistan. He was received at the airport by Kyrgyzstan’s Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Adylbek Kasymaliev. A traditional Kyrgyz cultural performance was also organised to welcome him.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on X that PM Modi is attending the summit, which brings together 10 SCO member countries, 15 partner nations and two observer countries to strengthen dialogue and cooperation on regional and global issues.

‘Vande Mataram’ Chants Greet PM Modi

Upon reaching his hotel, Prime Minister Modi received a warm welcome with chants of ‘Vande Mataram’. He also witnessed a yoga performance accompanied by the patriotic song Maa Tujhe Salaam, followed by a cultural presentation based on Lord Shiva.

PM Modi is attending the summit at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov. Before leaving India, he said he looked forward to advancing India’s vision for the region based on security, connectivity and opportunity.

He also stressed the importance of creating a region free from “terrorism, separatism and extremism”, describing these threats as persistent challenges to peace and stability.

Xi, Putin, Shehbaz Sharif Among Key Leaders

The summit is expected to bring together several influential leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

According to Kremlin spokesman Yuri Ushakov, Putin is expected to hold separate talks with Xi Jinping and Pezeshkian. Prime Minister Modi may also hold bilateral meetings with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Putin and other SCO leaders on the sidelines of the summit.

With several major powers represented, the Bishkek summit is expected to provide an important platform for discussions on regional security, geopolitical tensions, economic cooperation and connectivity.