Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Kyrgyzstan to attend SCO summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday arrived in Kyrgyzstan, where he is scheduled to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and hold a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines.

The prime minister was received at the airport by Kasymaliev Adylbek Aleshovich, chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers. A traditional Kyrgyz dance performance was also held at the airport to welcome Modi.

Modi is visiting Kyrgyzstan at the invitation of President Sadyr Zhaparov to participate in the 26th SCO Summit, scheduled for August 31 to September 1. He is also expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit, including with Zhaparov and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

PM @narendramodi is enroute to Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic to participate in the SCO Summit.

Watch highlights of ’s engagements with the SCO. pic.twitter.com/C8ia80sEM5

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) August 30, 2026

The 10-member Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is marking 25 years of its existence this year. It was founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan joined as full members in 2017, followed by Iran in 2023 and Belarus in 2024.

In his departure statement on Saturday, Modi said he looked 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".

"I also look forward to meeting President Zhaparov and other SCO leaders," he said.

During his visit, Modi will also attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games.

The prime minister said the visit would strengthen India's strategic partnerships in Central Asia, deepen its civilisational connect with the region and advance a shared pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity.

During his Uzbekistan visit, Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held talks that resulted in the decision to elevate bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. The two countries also set a target of $5 billion in annual trade by 2030.

(With PTI inputs)