A New Stop, A Wider Agenda: Modi Arrives in Bishkek

New Delhi, August 31, 2026 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Bishkek for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, placing India’s Central Asia outreach at the heart of his diplomatic agenda. Alongside the summit, Modi is set to hold a series of bilateral meetings with participating leaders, with regional security, connectivity and cooperation expected to remain key areas of focus. “Landed in Bishkek a short while ago. Grateful to Mr. Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic for the warm welcome. Will be meeting various leaders bilaterally and attending the SCO Summit tomorrow and the day after,” said PM Modi in a post on X after his arrival in Kyrgyz Republic on Sunday. The Prime Minister received a traditional Kyrgyz dance performance at the airport, while the Indian community also extended a warm welcome. Sharing glimpses of the reception, Modi said, “From Bharat to Bishkek, a very special welcome by the Indian community earlier this evening.” At his hotel, he was welcomed with chants of ‘Vande Mataram’. A vibrant yoga presentation to the patriotic song ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam’ and a Lord Shiva-themed cultural performance were also organised. Modi is visiting the Kyrgyz Republic at the invitation of President Sadyr Zhaparov to attend the 26th SCO Leadership Summit on August 31 and September 1. The SCO, which is marking its 25th anniversary, comprises ten member states, fifteen partner countries and two observer countries. Founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, it expanded with India and Pakistan becoming full members in 2017, Iran joining in 2023 and Belarus in 2024. Modi will also attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games. In his departure statement, Modi said he looked forward to advancing India’s regional vision centred on “security, connectivity and opportunity” and working with SCO members towards a region free from terrorism, separatism and extremism. He also said the visit would strengthen India’s strategic partnerships in Central Asia, deepen its civilisational links with the region and advance the shared pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity. The Bishkek visit follows his two-day trip to Uzbekistan, where India and Uzbekistan elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and set a USD 5 billion annual trade target for 2030. The SCO summit now provides India with another platform to reinforce its engagement with Central Asia and pursue closer cooperation on issues affecting regional peace and development. With bilateral meetings and summit-level discussions lined up, Modi’s visit signals a continued push to expand India’s strategic and economic presence in the region.