SCO Summit 2026: PM Modi Puts Security, Connectivity and Opportunity at the Centre of India’s Agenda in Bishkek

At the SCO Summit in Bishkek, PM Modi highlighted security, connectivity and economic opportunities as India’s key priorities, while holding key talks with Russia, Iran, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has placed security, connectivity and opportunity at the centre of India’s agenda at the 26th <u>**Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)**</u> Summit being held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

The summit is particularly significant as the SCO is marking 25 years of its existence. India has been a full member of the organisation since 2017 and has increasingly used the platform to engage with Russia, China, Central Asian countries and other regional partners.

During his address at the summit, PM Modi highlighted three key priorities for the region — **Security, Connectivity and Opportunity**.

India’s emphasis on security comes at a time when terrorism, geopolitical conflicts and instability in different parts of the world continue to pose major challenges.

## ***India’s Strong Message on Terrorism***

Terrorism remained one of the most important issues in India’s SCO agenda.

Prime Minister Modi called for a firm and united approach against terrorism and stressed that there should be no double standards in the fight against terrorism, separatism and extremism.

India has consistently maintained that the fight against terrorism cannot stop at targeting individual terrorist organisations. It must also address the wider ecosystem that supports terrorism, including financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens.

The issue becomes particularly significant at the SCO because Pakistan is also a member of the organisation and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is attending the summit.

India, however, has focused its message on the broader challenge of terrorism rather than turning the SCO platform into a direct bilateral confrontation.

## ***Connectivity Becomes Another Major Focus***

Connectivity is another major area where India has pushed for greater cooperation among SCO members.

India has emphasised the need for better road, rail, air and digital connectivity across the region.

Simplifying customs procedures, improving logistics networks and promoting digital documentation could help increase trade and economic activity between member countries.

However, India has also maintained an important condition.

Connectivity projects must respect the **sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries**.

For India, connectivity is therefore not merely an economic issue. It also has strategic and geopolitical implications.

## ***Modi Meets Putin in Bishkek***

On the sidelines of the SCO Summit, Prime Minister Modi held a significant meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

It was the first meeting between the two leaders this year.

The two leaders reviewed India-Russia cooperation across several areas, including politics, trade and economy, defence, energy, space, mobility and people-to-people relations.

They also discussed developments in the multilateral arena, particularly BRICS, where India is holding the chairmanship in 2026.

Regional and global developments were also discussed, including conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region and their impact on maritime trade and the safety of Indian seafarers.

Modi also reiterated India's position that conflicts should ultimately move towards dialogue and diplomacy.

The meeting is significant because India-Russia ties remain an important pillar of New Delhi's foreign policy, particularly in areas such as defence, energy and strategic cooperation.

## ***Important Meeting With Iran’s President***

## Prime Minister Modi also met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek.

The discussions focused on bilateral relations as well as the situation in West Asia.

India stressed the importance of protecting civilian lives and infrastructure and maintaining freedom of navigation and commerce.

The safety of commercial shipping and seafarers is particularly important for India because disruptions in major maritime routes can affect energy supplies, trade and global supply chains.

Both sides also discussed strengthening bilateral engagement and cooperation through multilateral platforms such as the SCO and BRICS.

## ***Kyrgyzstan and Armenia Also Part of India’s Outreach***

PM Modi also held talks with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov.

The two sides discussed ways to strengthen India-Kyrgyzstan strategic ties, including economic and commercial cooperation, education, culture and people-to-people connections.

The Central Asian region is strategically important for India because of its location, energy resources, minerals, trade routes and security significance.

Modi also met Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

The discussions covered areas including defence, economy, pharmaceuticals, science and technology, education and culture.

These meetings show that India’s engagement in Bishkek is not limited to the formal SCO agenda. New Delhi is also using the summit as an opportunity to deepen bilateral relationships with important countries.

## ***Focus on Youth, Startups and New Opportunities***

India has also highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for young people across SCO countries.

Initiatives such as the SCO Startup Forum, Young Authors’ Conclave and Young Scientists’ Forum were highlighted as examples of efforts aimed at strengthening youth cooperation.

India’s broader message is that the SCO should not remain limited to government-level cooperation.

Young entrepreneurs, researchers, students and professionals should also be able to benefit from greater regional engagement.

## ***Afghanistan and Drug Trafficking Remain Concerns***

The situation in Afghanistan also remains an important regional security issue.

India has stressed the need for peace and stability in Afghanistan and has continued to support humanitarian assistance and development-related initiatives.

Drug trafficking and organised crime are also major concerns because of their potential impact on regional security and young populations.

For India, these challenges cannot be addressed by one country alone and require greater cooperation among regional nations.

## ***What Does India’s Bishkek Strategy Show?***

The developments in Bishkek indicate that India is trying to balance several priorities at the same time.

On one side, New Delhi is maintaining a firm position on terrorism and national security.

On the other, India is continuing dialogue with Russia, China, Iran, Central Asian countries and other regional partners.

At the same time, trade, connectivity, energy security, digital cooperation and youth opportunities are becoming increasingly important parts of India’s regional diplomacy.

This means India’s SCO strategy is no longer limited to security alone.

The broader approach appears to be based on three pillars — **Security, Connectivity and Opportunity**.

## ***What Comes Next?***

The key question now is how many of these priorities will translate into concrete agreements and practical cooperation after the summit.

Terrorism, regional connectivity, trade, energy security, Afghanistan and geopolitical conflicts are likely to remain important issues for the SCO in the coming years.

For India, the Bishkek Summit is an opportunity to strengthen ties with Central Asia and Russia while keeping dialogue open with China and other regional powers.

The message from India is clear: the region needs greater security, stronger connectivity and new economic opportunities.

The real challenge, however, will be turning these priorities from diplomatic statements into concrete projects and measurable outcomes.