Bishkek, Sep 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged greetings, shook hands and briefly interacted as they arrived for the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek on Tuesday, drawing attention to the interaction between the leaders of India and China.
The two leaders were seen conversing after joining other SCO leaders for a group photograph. They subsequently walked together towards the summit venue, exchanging a handshake and appearing to engage in a brief conversation.
Modi and Xi had last met on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin in August 2025. Their latest interaction comes during India’s continued engagement with major regional powers through the SCO framework.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi arrived at the summit venue in Bishkek and received a warm welcome. The summit brings together leaders from across the region to discuss issues concerning security, connectivity, economic cooperation and regional development.
The SCO currently has 10 member states: Belarus, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The grouping also has observer states and dialogue partners, reflecting its expanding engagement across Asia and beyond.
Ahead of Tuesday’s summit, Modi held a series of bilateral meetings with key leaders. On Monday, he met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
The meetings focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
During his visit to Bishkek, Modi also attended the opening ceremony of the World Nomad Games on Monday. He interacted with the Indian contingent participating in the event and extended his best wishes to the athletes.
The Prime Minister had arrived in Bishkek on Sunday after concluding his engagements in Uzbekistan. His arrival was marked by a warm reception from members of the Indian community in the Kyrgyz capital.
Members of the Indian diaspora welcomed Modi with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram”. The Prime Minister also witnessed cultural performances presented by people from Kyrgyzstan during the welcome programme.
Before beginning his two-nation visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, Modi had emphasised India’s active role in the SCO. In his departure statement, he described India as an “active and constructive member” of the organisation since 2017.
He said India would seek to advance its regional vision based on “Security, Connectivity and Opportunity”, while working with fellow SCO members to promote a region free from terrorism, separatism and extremism.
India’s participation in the Bishkek summit comes amid its broader efforts to deepen engagement with Central Asian countries and strengthen cooperation through multilateral platforms.
The brief interaction between Modi and Xi at the summit venue was closely watched as both leaders continue to engage through regional and international forums, with the SCO providing an important platform for dialogue among major Asian powers.
