PM Modi pays tribute to Gandhi in Kyrgyzstan during SCO Summit 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kyrgyzstan on August 30‑31, 2026, to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Leadership Summit and to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the former leader’s memorial in Bishkek. The gesture, part of a broader effort to strengthen India’s ties with Central Asian states, was welcomed by Kyrgyz officials and the local community.

Modi’s arrival at Manas International Airport was greeted by Kyrgyz Cabinet Chairman Adylbek Kasymaliev, who presented the prime minister with a traditional Kyrgyz dance performance. The welcome ceremony underscored the cultural ties the two nations share, with a display of Kyrgyz folklore that set the tone for the week’s diplomatic engagements.

At his hotel, Modi was greeted with chants of “Vande Mataram” and watched a yoga performance accompanied by the patriotic anthem “Maa Tujhe Salaam.” A separate Lord Shiva‑themed dance showcased the spiritual heritage that resonates with both Indian and Kyrgyz audiences. These cultural moments highlighted the shared values of respect and mutual understanding that underlie the SCO’s purpose.

The tribute to Gandhi, who spent 21 days in the former Soviet Union in 1933, was conducted at the memorial site on the outskirts of Bishkek. Modi spoke of the moral and non‑violent principles that Gandhi espoused, linking them to India’s vision for regional security, connectivity, and opportunity. His remarks were aimed at reinforcing the SCO’s commitment to a “region free from terrorism, separatism and extremism,” a stance that echoes the summit’s broader agenda.

During the summit, Modi held bilateral meetings with leaders of SCO member states, including Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus. He also met with representatives from various ethnic communities in Bishkek, underscoring his focus on inclusive diplomacy. The prime minister’s schedule included discussions on trade, energy cooperation, and counter‑terrorism initiatives, reflecting India’s growing role in Central Asia.

The 25th anniversary of the SCO, founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, marked a milestone for the organization. India and Pakistan joined as full members in 2017, followed by Iran in 2023 and Belarus in 2024. The summit’s theme highlighted the importance of multilateralism in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

Modi’s visit followed a two‑day trip to Uzbekistan, where India and the Central Asian country announced a comprehensive strategic partnership and set a target of $5 billion in annual trade by 2030. The partnership reflects India’s broader strategy to deepen economic ties with Central Asia and to secure a diversified supply chain.

In a statement released on August 29, 2026, Modi expressed his anticipation of advancing India’s vision for the region. He emphasized the need for cooperation on security, connectivity, and opportunity, and reiterated his commitment to working with SCO members to foster stability and development.

The SCO summit concluded on September 1, with leaders issuing a joint declaration on cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and counter‑terrorism. Modi’s visit to Kyrgyzstan, highlighted by the tribute to Gandhi, reinforced India’s diplomatic outreach in Central Asia and its role as a key partner in the SCO’s future initiatives.

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