Xi, Putin discuss visa-free travel, global and regional issues at Bishkek - The Hindu

**Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan –** At the closing session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Chinese President **Xi Jinping** and Russian President **Vladimir Putin** held a bilateral discussion that centred on the prospect of **visa‑free travel** for citizens of the two countries. Both leaders said that eliminating visa requirements would deepen people‑to‑people ties, boost tourism, and reinforce the strategic partnership that underpins the SCO framework. The proposal, which is expected to be tabled to the SCO foreign ministers’ council later this year, reflects a broader push by Beijing and Moscow to ease movement for business and cultural exchanges across the Eurasian continent.

Beyond the travel talks, the two heads of state exchanged views on a suite of **global and regional challenges**. They reaffirmed a joint stance on combating the “terror ecosystem” that the SCO identifies as a threat to member states, echoing Indian Prime Minister **Narendra Modi**’s call for unified action against extremist networks. The leaders also addressed the conflict in Ukraine, with Modi urging Putin to transition from an “endless war” to a “lasting peace,” while Xi emphasized the need for a diplomatic resolution that respects the sovereignty of all parties. The summit also marked a notable shift in dynamics as **Iran**, a newer SCO participant, featured prominently in group photographs, signalling its growing influence within the organisation.

For India, the Bishkek summit highlighted both opportunities and challenges. While Modi’s outreach to Putin underscored New Delhi’s desire to play a constructive role in de‑escalating the Ukraine crisis, the push for visa‑free travel between China and Russia could reshape trade routes that bypass Indian ports, prompting New Delhi to recalibrate its regional strategy. Nonetheless, the shared commitment to counter‑terrorism and the inclusion of Iran provide a platform for India to engage with a broader coalition on security and economic cooperation, reinforcing its position as a pivotal player within the SCO’s evolving architecture.

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