India's Strategic Role in Upcoming SCO Bishkek Summit

The strategic importance of India within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is anticipated to be highlighted as the 10-member bloc prepares for its 2026 summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, scheduled for August 31 and September 1. Key agenda items include terrorism, cybercrime, infrastructure connectivity, and economic cooperation.

Professor Mohammed Badrul Alam, a political scientist and former Director of Research at Jamia Millia Islamia University, noted that India's proactive engagement has enhanced its visibility and influence in Eurasia. The SCO, originally the "Shanghai Five" in 1996, formally established in 2001, now includes India and Pakistan (2017), Iran (2023), and Belarus (2024), totaling 10 members.

The organization represents about 25% of the world's land area and 45% of the global population. The 2026 summit will build on commitments from the 2025 Tianjin summit, focusing on combating terrorism and establishing an International Centre for Combating Organised Crime, among other proposals.

Transport connectivity, particularly the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, will also be a major focus.