PM Modi Arrives in Kyrgyzstan for SCO Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kyrgyzstan on Sunday to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. He was received at the airport by Kasymaliev Adylbek Aleshovich, chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers.

The prime minister is visiting Kyrgyzstan at the invitation of President Sadyr Zhaparov to participate in the 26th SCO Summit on August 31-September 1. The SCO is marking 25 years of its establishment.

Modi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with SCO leaders, including Kyrgyz President Zhaparov and Russian President Vladimir Putin, on the sidelines of the summit. In his departure statement, Modi said he looks forward to advancing India's vision for the region, anchored in security, connectivity, and opportunity.

The SCO 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.

Modi's visit aims to 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. He will also attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games.

The prime minister's visit is significant as it comes at a time when India is looking to enhance its engagement with Central Asian countries. The region is crucial for India's economic and strategic interests, and the SCO summit provides a platform for India to engage with key players in the region.

The SCO summit will discuss various issues, including terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Modi has said that he looks forward to working with fellow members to create a region free from these scourges.

The visit is also an opportunity for India to showcase its commitment to regional cooperation and its desire to play a constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the region.

In conclusion, PM Modi's visit to Kyrgyzstan for the SCO summit is a significant development in India's engagement with Central Asia. The visit is expected to strengthen India's strategic partnerships in the region and advance its economic and strategic interests.