SCO Summit 2026 Begins in Bishkek: Modi-Putin, Modi-Xi Talks in Focus as Security and Trade Top Agenda

The 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit began in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Monday, bringing together Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other leaders for discussions on regional and global challenges.

The two-day summit is being held on August 31 and September 1 as the SCO marks the 25th anniversary of its formation.

The gathering comes amid significant geopolitical and economic changes, with regional security, counter-terrorism, trade, connectivity, energy and digital cooperation expected to dominate discussions.

According to Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, the summit brings together the SCO's 10 member states, 15 partner countries and two observer countries to strengthen dialogue and cooperation on regional and international issues.

Security and Counter-Terrorism at the Centre

Counter-terrorism and regional security are expected to remain among India's key priorities at the summit.

SCO leaders are likely to discuss challenges including cross-border terrorism, extremism and border security.

India is expected to reiterate its opposition to terrorism and stress the importance of stronger regional cooperation to tackle security threats.

The discussions take place against a backdrop of evolving security dynamics across Central Asia and the wider region.

Trade and Alternative Payment Systems

Economic cooperation is another important item on the SCO agenda.

Member states are expected to explore ways to increase trade using local currencies, improve cross-border payment mechanisms and develop alternatives to existing Western-dominated financial networks.

The discussions reflect growing efforts among several countries to build more diversified international trade and financial arrangements.

Connectivity and Central Asian Trade Routes

Connectivity is also expected to receive considerable attention during the summit.

Central Asian countries are seeking to strengthen transport and supply-chain links connecting their landlocked economies with major international markets.

New and improved corridors could create additional trade opportunities involving India, China and other regional economies.

For India, greater connectivity with Central Asia remains an important component of its broader engagement with the region.

Energy and Digital Cooperation

Energy security and cooperation in clean-energy projects are also expected to feature in the discussions.

SCO members may explore opportunities for cooperation in energy infrastructure and the transition towards cleaner sources of energy.

Digital development and emerging technologies are another area where member states could seek greater collaboration.

Modi's Bilateral Meetings in Focus

While the main SCO leaders' meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bilateral engagements are attracting significant attention.

Modi is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the summit.

The two leaders are likely to review the India-Russia strategic partnership, including cooperation in areas such as energy and defence logistics.

Their discussions could also include preparations for the upcoming BRICS summit scheduled to be hosted by India in New Delhi.

A possible meeting between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping is also being closely watched, given the importance of India-China relations to regional security and the SCO's future direction.

Bishkek Declaration Expected

The summit is expected to conclude with the adoption of the Bishkek Declaration.

The document is likely to outline the organisation's priorities and strategic direction as the SCO enters the next phase of its development.

With security, economic cooperation, connectivity, energy and digital transformation all on the agenda, the Bishkek summit could shape the grouping's priorities for the coming years.