Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek on Monday. The leaders are gathering for a two-day summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) amid shifting geopolitics and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the SCO.
For India, the Bishkek gathering serves as a precursor to the BRICS summit scheduled in New Delhi on September 12-13. Both Putin and Xi are anticipated to attend the summit. Officials have confirmed that a bilateral meeting with Putin has been arranged, while Modi and Xi are expected to meet during the summit.
Modi's Vision for the SCO
Calling the SCO an "important organisation," Modi stated,
“"India has been an active and constructive member of the SCO since 2017. I look forward to advancing India’s vision for the region, anchored in Security, Connectivity and Opportunity, and to working with fellow members for a region free from the scourge of terrorism, separatism and extremism, which continue to threaten peace and stability in our neighbourhood and beyond."
Modi also expressed his eagerness to meet Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Zhaparov and other SCO leaders, and to attend the Opening Ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games, which celebrates the rich living heritage of Central Asia.
SCO Membership and Priorities
The SCO comprises 10 member states: Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan; along with 15 Dialogue Partners and 2 Observers. The ongoing war in West Asia is expected to be a significant topic of discussion, particularly since Iran is a member of the SCO.
India has been a member since 2017, and its priorities within the SCO align with its stance from the 2018 summit, focusing on a ‘SECURE’ SCO, which emphasizes Security, Economy and Trade, Connectivity, Unity, and Respect for Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity.
