Bishkek/New Delhi (TIP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from August 31 to September 1 to participate in the 26th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), using the regional platform to underline India’s concerns over terrorism, security and regional cooperation.
The visit brought together leaders from major Eurasian powers and provided India an opportunity to engage with key regional partners on issues ranging from connectivity and economic cooperation to terrorism and geopolitical stability.
Addressing the SCO summit, Modi stressed the need for a united and uncompromising approach against terrorism. He said the international community must act against terrorism and its supporting infrastructure without selective approaches or double standards.
India has consistently maintained that terrorism remains one of the gravest threats to regional and global peace. Modi’s remarks at the summit reflected New Delhi’s long-standing position that countries supporting, financing or providing safe havens to terrorist groups must also be held accountable.
The SCO has emerged as an important platform for discussions on regional security, particularly because its members include several major Asian and Eurasian powers. At the Bishkek meeting, discussions focused on strengthening cooperation among member states, improving regional connectivity and addressing shared security challenges.
For India, terrorism remains a central concern. New Delhi has repeatedly called for decisive international action against terrorist networks and has opposed any distinction between so-called “good” and “bad” terrorists.
Modi emphasized that terrorism cannot be viewed through the prism of political convenience and that the infrastructure supporting extremist violence must be dismantled comprehensively.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of greater cooperation among SCO nations in areas such as trade, connectivity, technology and economic development.
During his visit, Modi held bilateral talks with Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Zhaparov.
The two leaders reviewed progress in the strategic partnership between India and Kyrgyzstan and discussed ways to further deepen cooperation.
India and Kyrgyzstan share traditionally warm relations, with cooperation extending to defence, security, education, healthcare and cultural exchanges. The discussions in Bishkek focused on strengthening these ties and expanding areas of engagement between the two countries.
The meeting also highlighted India’s growing engagement with Central Asia, a region that has gained increasing strategic importance because of its location, natural resources and role in regional connectivity. Central Asian countries are important partners in India’s efforts to expand its diplomatic and economic presence across Eurasia. The visit also reflected the cultural dimension of India’s diplomacy.
Prime Minister Modi exchanged traditional Indian gifts with leaders during the SCO summit, showcasing the country’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. The gifts reportedly included Indian handicrafts, textiles and literary works, reflecting the diversity of India’s traditional craftsmanship.
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