Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kyrgyzstan on Sunday to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek. During his visit, Modi is expected to meet several key leaders on the sidelines of the summit, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov.
Modi receives warm welcome in Bishkek
Kyrgyzstan gave Prime Minister Modi a warm welcome after his arrival in the capital, Bishkek. He was received at the airport by Kasymaliev Adylbek Aleshovich, chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers.
Landed in Bishkek a short while ago.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 30, 2026
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.
Бир аз убакыт мурун… pic.twitter.com/YZlDeCI7IB
The welcome also reflected the close cultural ties between India and Kyrgyzstan. A yoga presentation and performances of Indian cultural dances were organised to greet the Indian prime minister. Modi is visiting Kyrgyzstan at the invitation of President Sadyr Zhaparov. The SCO summit is being held from August 31 to September 1.
SCO marks 25 years
The summit comes as the SCO marks 25 years since its formation. The organisation was established in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became full members in 2017. Iran joined the organisation in 2023, while Belarus became a full member in 2024.
The 10-member grouping has emerged as an important platform for cooperation among countries across Eurasia. Its discussions cover security, economic cooperation, connectivity, regional stability and other areas of common interest.
Modi to meet Putin and other leaders
During the summit, Modi is expected to hold bilateral discussions with several SCO leaders. His expected meetings with President Putin and President Zhaparov are likely to receive particular attention. The talks could cover bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues.
In his departure statement on Saturday, Modi said he wanted to promote India’s approach towards the region, with a focus on “security, connectivity and opportunity”.
He also highlighted the need for cooperation among SCO members to counter terrorism, separatism and extremism. “I also look forward to meeting President Zhaparov and other SCO leaders,” he said.
India has consistently highlighted the importance of Central Asia in its foreign policy. New Delhi has sought to expand cooperation with countries in the region in areas such as trade, connectivity, energy, culture and security.
Modi to attend World Nomad Games opening
Apart from the SCO summit, Modi will also attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games. The event is a major international sporting and cultural gathering that celebrates the traditions and heritage of nomadic communities.
Modi’s participation is expected to further highlight India’s cultural and civilisational links with Central Asia. The prime minister said his visit would help strengthen India’s strategic partnerships in the region. He also said it would deepen India’s civilisational connection with Central Asia. According to Modi, the visit will support the shared goal of achieving peace, stability and prosperity across the region.
Xi Jinping also reaches Kyrgyzstan
Chinese President Xi Jinping also arrived in Kyrgyzstan ahead of the SCO summit. Xi said he was looking forward to taking part in the Bishkek meeting and working with other member countries to assess the organisation’s 25-year journey.
”I look forward to attending the SCO Bishkek Summit, working with all parties to revisit the 25-year development experience of the SCO, jointly discuss cooperation plans, create the future of the organisation,” Xi said on his arrival, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
Xi also expressed his intention to work with other members to strengthen the organisation and support its future growth. Xi said he looked forward to working with all parties to ”promote the continuous new development of the organisation”.
The presence of leaders from India, China, Russia and other SCO members makes the Bishkek summit an important diplomatic gathering. The discussions are expected to focus on regional security, cooperation and the future direction of the organisation as it enters its next 25 years.