The 26th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, bringing together leaders of SCO member states to discuss regional security, economic cooperation, connectivity and the organisation’s future direction. The summit was particularly significant as the SCO marked 25 years of its journey as an important platform for dialogue and cooperation across Eurasia.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi represented India at the summit and reaffirmed New Delhi’s commitment to constructive engagement with the SCO. His participation highlighted India’s continued focus on strengthening cooperation with Central Asian countries and other SCO members while advancing the organisation’s role in addressing common regional and global challenges.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi emphasised three key priorities for the SCO’s next phase: Security, Connectivity and Opportunity. He called for stronger collective efforts against terrorism and other transnational threats, greater connectivity between member states and expanded economic opportunities that can contribute to shared growth and prosperity.
Security remained a central issue during the summit. SCO members discussed the need for stronger cooperation against terrorism, extremism, separatism, organised crime and narcotics trafficking. India has consistently stressed that terrorism remains one of the most serious challenges to regional and global peace and has called for decisive and coordinated international action against terrorist networks.
Connectivity and economic cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions. With the SCO bringing together major economies and strategically important countries across Eurasia, improving transport links, trade routes, energy cooperation, digital connectivity and investment can play an important role in unlocking new opportunities. India reiterated its support for connectivity initiatives that are transparent, inclusive and respectful of national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The summit also provided an important platform for discussions on the changing geopolitical landscape. At a time of continuing international conflicts, economic uncertainty and disruptions to global supply chains, India emphasised the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. New Delhi’s approach remains centred on peaceful resolution of disputes, respect for international law and greater cooperation among nations.
The 2026 summit carried additional significance as the SCO completed 25 years since its establishment. Over the past quarter century, the organisation has expanded from its original security-oriented focus to encompass a wide range of areas, including trade, investment, energy, technology, culture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.
For India, the SCO remains an important forum for engaging with Central Asia and the wider Eurasian region. India’s participation reflects its broader vision of strengthening its historical and contemporary ties with Central Asian countries while contributing to regional stability, economic development and greater people-to-people connectivity.
As the SCO enters its next 25 years, its ability to convert political commitments into practical cooperation will be critical. Stronger coordination on security, connectivity, economic development and emerging global challenges can help the organisation remain relevant in an increasingly interconnected and multipolar world.
The Bishkek Summit 2026 therefore marked both a reflection on the SCO’s 25-year journey and a look towards its future. With security, connectivity and opportunity emerging as key priorities, the summit set the stage for deeper regional cooperation and a more ambitious agenda for the years ahead.