Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Modi’s SCO Address Highlights India’s Connectivity and Terrorism Challenges
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at a major regional meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
The meeting was held by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Central Asian countries are building relationships with several powerful partners, including Russia and China.
India wants stronger trade and cultural links with the region.
However, India does not have a direct land route through Pakistan to Central Asia.
Security problems also make travel through Afghanistan’s airspace difficult.
Modi said countries should work together to stop terrorism and its funding and recruitment.
The article says India should focus more on digital services and technology that do not require roads.
It also says India should strengthen its individual relationships with Central Asian countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Central Asian countries are diversifying partnerships with Russia, China, Iran and Gulf states.
India’s trade and broader engagement are constrained by the lack of direct land access through Pakistan and security risks in Afghanistan’s airspace.
Modi focused on improving connectivity and collectively dismantling terrorism’s financing and recruitment networks.
The article urges India to expand digital, technological and bilateral partnerships as China increases infrastructure investment in Central Asia.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India, the Central Asian countries and members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
- What
- Modi addressed the organisation’s 26th summit, focusing on connectivity and terrorism.
- When
- At the 26th summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation; no specific date is given.
- Where
- Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, in the Central Asian region.
- Why
- To expand India’s economic and strategic engagement with Central Asia and address shared security concerns, including terrorism.
- Event
- 26th summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
- Speaker
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Location
- Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
- Main issues
- Connectivity and terrorism
- Connectivity barriers
- No overland access through Pakistan and security risks affecting Afghanistan’s airspace
- Regional trend
- Central Asian states are diversifying partnerships with Russia, China, Iran and Gulf states
- India’s proposed focus
- Services, digital systems, technological investment and individual partnerships with member states