Archive · 31 Aug 2026
SCO Summit Opens in Bishkek Amid Security and Trade Talks
Leaders from several countries are meeting in Bishkek for a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.
The meeting lasts two days and marks 25 years since the group was formed.
They will talk about stopping terrorism and improving regional security.
They will also discuss trade, transportation routes, energy and digital technology.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.
People are also watching to see whether Modi speaks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The leaders may agree on a document called the Bishkek Declaration.
That document will describe what the organisation wants to work on in the future.
Leaders from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s 10 member states gathered in Bishkek for a two-day summit on August 31 and September 1.
Regional security, counter-terrorism, trade, connectivity, energy and digital development are central agenda items.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and may interact with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
India and other members are expected to discuss local-currency trade, cross-border payments and alternatives to Western financial networks.
The summit is expected to conclude with the Bishkek Declaration outlining the organisation’s priorities for the next 25 years.
- Who
- Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s 10 member states, including Narendra Modi, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin.
- What
- A two-day SCO summit focused on security, counter-terrorism, trade, connectivity, energy and digital development.
- When
- August 31 and September 1; the opening took place Monday and the main summit is scheduled for Tuesday.
- Where
- Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.
- Why
- The leaders are meeting to strengthen regional cooperation and set the SCO’s priorities for the next 25 years.
- Host city
- Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
- Dates
- August 31 and September 1
- Participants
- 10 SCO member states, 15 partner countries and two observer countries
- Main agenda
- Counter-terrorism, regional security, trade, connectivity, energy and digital development
- Key bilateral
- Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin are scheduled to review India-Russia relations
- India-China focus
- Observers are watching for a possible interaction between Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping
- Expected outcome
- The Bishkek Declaration, setting priorities for the next 25 years