Modi, Putin Expected to Hold Bilateral Talks During SCO Summit in Bishkek

By Arizona Asians Staff

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.

The meeting is expected during Modi’s four-day visit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan from August 29 to September 1, 2026. India’s Ministry of External Affairs said Modi will first visit Tashkent for bilateral talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, before traveling to Bishkek for the SCO summit.

India’s Central Asia Outreach

During the Uzbekistan visit, Modi is expected to review cooperation in areas including trade, investment, defense, digital connectivity, energy, education and people-to-people ties.

The visit reflects India’s broader effort to strengthen relations with Central Asian countries, a region important for energy security, connectivity, trade routes and regional diplomacy.

SCO Summit in Bishkek

After the Uzbekistan leg, Modi will attend the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek on August 31 and September 1.

The SCO includes major Asian and Eurasian countries such as India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Iran and several Central Asian nations. The grouping focuses on regional security, counterterrorism, connectivity and economic cooperation.

Indian officials said Modi is expected to address the summit and highlight India’s priorities of security, connectivity and opportunity.

Modi-Putin Meeting to Be Closely Watched

The planned meeting between Modi and Putin is expected to cover India-Russia relations as well as regional and global developments.

India and Russia have long described their relationship as a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.” Key areas of cooperation include energy, defense, fertilizers, nuclear energy, trade and technology.

The meeting comes at a time when India continues to balance its long-standing ties with Russia alongside expanding relations with the United States, Europe and other partners.

Wider Regional Significance

The SCO summit will also bring together leaders from countries that play major roles in Asian security and trade. Discussions are expected to include regional stability, economic cooperation and cross-border connectivity.

For India, the summit provides a platform to engage with Central Asian partners while also holding separate bilateral meetings with key leaders.

Modi is also expected to attend the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games, an event celebrating Central Asia’s cultural heritage.