Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the 26th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic between August 31 and September 1, 2026. This summit marked SCO's 25th anniversary, providing an opportunity for leaders to assess progress and discuss enhancing the organization's role in promoting peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the region.
Prime Minister Modi outlined India's three-pillar vision for SCO focusing on Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity, emphasizing the need for concrete outcomes in these areas. He reiterated India's position that conflicts cannot be resolved on the battlefield and that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward. The Prime Minister highlighted terrorism as a grave threat to humanity and called for committed action to dismantle terror ecosystems, specifically stressing that there should be no double standards in the fight against terrorism.
Regarding connectivity, Modi stated that strong and trusted initiatives are important for shared progress and prosperity, supporting efforts that link markets, enhance trade, and open new development opportunities while respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity. He noted that technology, entrepreneurship, innovation, start-ups, and people-to-people initiatives offer immense opportunities for SCO countries' populations.
The Summit resulted in the adoption of the Bishkek Declaration, four Memoranda of Understanding, and over twenty decisions and statements covering fields including climate, nuclear safety, energy conservation, and combating drug addiction. India led and supported several initiatives incorporated into the Declaration, such as establishing English as an official language in the SCO Charter, creating a Civilization Dialogue Forum, Young Scientist Forum, and Young Author's Conclave. India will host the first edition of the SCO Civilisation Dialogue Forum later this year.