PM Modi arrives in Bishkek on two-day visit to Kyrgyzstan; to attend SCO Summit and meet several SCO leaders - News On AIR

**Prime Minister Narendra Modi lands in Bishkek for a two‑day state visit, kicking off the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit**

New Delhi’s top diplomat touched down in Kyrgyzstan’s capital on Monday amid a modest yet symbolic ceremony that included a wreath‑laying at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial. The tribute, attended by Kyrgyz officials and members of the Indian diplomatic mission, underscored the enduring cultural bond between the two nations and highlighted Gandhi’s philosophy of non‑violence as a guiding principle for the region’s security discourse. Modi’s arrival was met with a warm welcome from President Sadyr Japarov, who affirmed Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties with India.

The visit coincides with the opening session of the SCO summit, the first ever to be hosted by Kyrgyzstan. As the head of the world’s largest regional security bloc—comprising China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and the host nation—Modi is slated to meet his counterparts from all eight member states. In bilateral talks, the Indian premier is expected to discuss expanding cooperation in counter‑terrorism, energy security and cross‑border connectivity, themes that dominate the summit’s agenda. Sources close to the delegation say India will also push for greater integration of its “Act East” initiatives with the SCO’s Eurasian transport corridors, seeking to tap into new markets for Indian pharmaceuticals, IT services and renewable‑energy technologies.

Analysts view the Bishkek summit as a litmus test for the SCO’s economic ambitions, often described as an “Eurasian economic bet” that aims to translate the organization’s security framework into tangible trade, investment and infrastructure projects. While the bloc has traditionally focused on joint anti‑terrorism drills and intelligence sharing, this year’s discussions are expected to foreground a coordinated push for seamless logistics, digital connectivity and joint energy ventures—areas where India hopes to play a pivotal role. Success in these domains could bolster regional growth, reduce reliance on traditional trade routes, and cement the SCO’s relevance as a platform for shared prosperity across Central and South Asia.