Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit. This visit is marked by a highly anticipated bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday. The summit takes place against the backdrop of a rapidly changing global geopolitical landscape, with the international community closely monitoring potential interactions between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two-day summit brings together leaders from across the region to discuss ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, as well as broader security and economic cooperation.
The Strategic Significance of the SCO Summit
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the SCO, making the Bishkek gathering a milestone event. For India, this meeting serves as a critical diplomatic precursor to the BRICS Summit scheduled to be held in New Delhi on September 12-13. Both President Putin and President Xi are expected to attend the New Delhi summit, making the current discussions in Bishkek vital for setting the agenda. While a formal bilateral meeting with Putin is confirmed, the possibility of a meeting with Xi Jinping remains a subject of intense global interest. PM Modi has described the SCO as a vital organization, emphasizing India's role as an active and constructive member since 2017. He expressed his commitment to advancing India's vision for the region, which is built on the pillars of security, connectivity, and opportunity.
Focus on West Asia and Regional Security
One of the primary topics expected to dominate the discussions is the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The inclusion of Iran as a full member of the SCO adds significant weight to these deliberations. PM Modi highlighted the need for a region free from the menaces of terrorism, separatism, and extremism, which pose a direct threat to peace and stability in India's neighborhood and beyond. India's priorities within the SCO are rooted in the SECURE framework, which was endorsed during the 2018 summit. This acronym stands for Security, Economy and Trade, Connectivity, Unity, and Respect for Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity. The respect for sovereignty has become a central theme globally, especially following the conflicts involving Iran earlier this year in February, which saw strikes by the United States and Israel.
Connectivity and Diplomatic Balancing
For India, connectivity with Central Asia through Iran remains a top priority. The Bishkek summit provides a unique platform where leaders from Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE will be present simultaneously. This gathering is crucial for India as it seeks to build a consensus on the West Asia conflict ahead of the BRICS meeting in Delhi, while previous attempts to reach a consensus during the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting in Delhi in May didn't yield a unified statement, making the Bishkek summit a testing ground for Indian diplomacy. On top of that, the presence of the Pakistani delegation adds another layer of complexity. India has consistently maintained its firm policy against terrorism and extremism, and it remains to be seen how the Indian delegation navigates these issues in the presence of its neighbor.
The Bishkek Declaration and Future Cooperation
The summit is expected to see the adoption or signing of approximately 27 key documents. These include the Bishkek Declaration, protocols for amending the SCO Charter, and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) related to climate change, the information sector, and Artificial Intelligence. Other items on the agenda include amendments to agreements on combating crime, regulations for the Universal Center and Anti-Drug Center, and documents concerning the status of SCO partners and cooperation with the African Union. India, having held the chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in 2020 and the Council of Heads of State in 2022-2023, continues to focus on Central Asia as the core of the organization. This focus will be tested as Tajikistan has presented its candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2028-29, a position for which India is also competing.
Expanding the SCO Footprint
The summit also features the third edition of the SCO Plus format. This expanded meeting is expected to include member states along with representatives from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Vietnam, Laos, Mongolia, Togo, Turkey, Egypt, and Turkmenistan. International and regional organizations such as the United Nations (UN), CIS, CSTO, EEC, and CICA are also likely to participate. The theme for this year's Head of State meeting is SCO 25th Anniversary: Strengthening Stability, Increasing Cooperation for Further Joint Development. PM Modi also expressed his eagerness to meet with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and attend the opening ceremony of the games, which celebrate the vibrant heritage of Central Asia, a culture for which India holds deep respect. The SCO currently comprises 10 member states: Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Pakistan, along with 15 dialogue partners including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Egypt, Cambodia, Kuwait, Laos, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Sri Lanka, and two observers, Mongolia and Afghanistan.