SCO Summit in Bishkek: Demonstrating India's Growing Diplomatic Clout

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Demonstrating India's Growing Diplomatic Clout

Bishkek | September 2, 2026

The 26th Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Bishkek, the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic, has further solidified India's diplomatic position in the Eurasian region. India's leadership at this multilateral forum was spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.

Asserting a Firm Stance on Terrorism, Emphasizing Diplomacy

During the summit, India underscored its resolute stance against terrorism and explored new avenues for bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Prime Minister Modi, in his address, emphasized a policy of 'zero tolerance' towards terrorism, stating that any form of double standards in the fight against terrorism is unacceptable. He highlighted dialogue and diplomacy as the sole effective path for resolving disputes. The Prime Minister also underlined critical themes such as connectivity, technology, innovation, startups, and youth engagement.

Strategic Achievement: Hosting the SCO Forum on Civilizational Dialogue

A significant strategic achievement for India at this summit was securing the opportunity to host the inaugural edition of the 'SCO Forum on Civilizational Dialogue'. This initiative is expected to aid in revitalizing India's historical cultural and trade ties with Central Asia.

India's Clear Stance on Terrorism and Diplomacy

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared on 'X' that the Prime Minister articulated India's position on the global stage, asserting that the resolution of any dispute is achievable only through dialogue and diplomacy. He emphasized that India will not tolerate any laxity or double standards against terrorism. He also stressed the need to tackle security challenges collectively with the SCO member states.

Cultural Diplomacy Gets New Momentum

Being granted the hosting rights for the 'SCO Forum on Civilizational Dialogue' represents a major strategic success for India. Through this platform, India will lead the effort to revitalize centuries-old cultural and trade relationships in a modern context. This initiative will further deepen India's civilizational connect with Eurasian countries.

Active Bilateral Diplomacy by the External Affairs Minister

Beyond the summit proceedings, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held significant bilateral meetings with top leaders from Central Asian countries, Russia, China, and Iran. These discussions included in-depth deliberations on crucial issues like trade, regional connectivity, and maritime security. Notably, substantial progress was made in forging diplomatic consensus on sensitive matters such as the expansion of the Chabahar Port with Iran and the safety of Indian sailors. These meetings paved the way for strengthening India's bilateral relationships with various countries and opening new avenues for cooperation.

India's Proposals Prominently Featured in the Bishkek Declaration

The 'Bishkek Declaration', released at the conclusion of the summit, prominently incorporated proposals put forth by India. Four significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed on critical issues such as climate change, energy conservation, and nuclear safety, establishing a new framework for cooperation among Eurasian countries. This declaration signifies a commitment to fostering cooperation and addressing shared challenges among SCO member states.