PM at 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek, SCO’s 25th anniversary

The 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek: what happened?

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a Eurasian grouping where India sits at the table with neighbours it does not always agree with. India uses it to raise terrorism, Afghanistan and connectivity. A 25th anniversary is a natural moment to set the agenda for the next quarter century, as the Prime Minister himself said.

• The PM said the 25th anniversary was the right time to lay a roadmap for the next 25 years.
• He said conflicts cannot be resolved on the battlefield; dialogue and diplomacy are the only way.
• He called for dismantling the terror ecosystem, with no double standards.
• He linked Eurasian security to peace in Afghanistan and noted India’s aid to that country.
• Connectivity should respect sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.

What did India get into the Bishkek Declaration?

PIB (PMO), 1 Sep 2026.

What were India’s three pillars?

• At the previous Summit, India set out a vision of Security, Connectivity and Opportunity.
• This time the PM asked for concrete outcomes under these three pillars.
• Under Opportunity he listed technology, entrepreneurship, innovation, start-ups and people-to-people links.
• He praised Kyrgyzstan’s focus on youth engagement.

Which constitutional entries cover foreign affairs and treaties?

• Seventh Schedule, List I, Entry 10: Foreign affairs; all matters which bring the Union into relation with any foreign country.
• Seventh Schedule, List I, Entry 14: Entering into treaties and agreements with foreign countries and implementing of treaties, agreements and conventions with foreign countries.

How does India’s SCO agenda fit together?

1. Security: united action against terrorism, no double standards
2. Afghanistan: peace there is linked to Eurasian security
3. Connectivity: trusted links that respect sovereignty
4. Opportunity: start-ups, innovation and youth exchanges
5. Culture: first SCO Civilisation Dialogue Forum hosted by India

Why does the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek matter?

What are the challenges in the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek?

• Members differ sharply on terrorism and connectivity projects.
• Consensus documents can be broad, with weak follow-up.
• Big-power rivalry inside the grouping limits what it can deliver.

What should be done next on the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek?

• India to host the first SCO Civilisation Dialogue Forum later this year.
• Follow up on the four MoUs and the decisions adopted.
• Work towards concrete outcomes under the Security, Connectivity and Opportunity pillars.

What can Prelims ask on the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek?

• 26th SCO Summit: Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, 31 Aug to 1 Sep 2026; SCO’s 25th anniversary.
• Bishkek Declaration: English in the SCO Charter as an official language.
• India’s SCO vision: Security, Connectivity, Opportunity.
• Foreign affairs: Union List, Entry 10.

How to write about the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek in Mains

Practice question (10 marks, 150 words): How has India used the SCO platform to advance its positions on terrorism and connectivity? Discuss with reference to the 2026 Bishkek Summit.

• Intro: 26th Summit, Bishkek; SCO at 25.
• Terrorism: no double standards; terror ecosystem.
• Connectivity: respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• Gains: English, Civilisation Dialogue Forum, youth forums.
• Limits: divergence, weak follow-up; conclusion.