Xi, Modi and Putin set to meet for SCO summit: What’s on the agenda?

Live updates

1. 13d ago

   Xi Jinping uses SCO Summit to signal solidarity with Russia and Iran

   President Xi Jinping has utilized the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek to demonstrate solidarity with Russia, Iran, and other non-Western states. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the summit, international media describes India's approach as "aloof, but engaged." New Delhi is using its presence to counter Chinese influence within the bloc and hedge against an unpredictable United States. This diplomatic effort coincides with broader Indian goals to keep the BRICS coalition relevant to the Global South without allowing it to become an explicitly anti-Western alliance.

   Why it matters

   The SCO summit serves as a platform for member states to coordinate regional security and trade outside of Western influence. India currently balances its relations between the West and the Russia-China axis. Recent tensions between Iran and the UAE have added diplomatic complexity for India ahead of the 2026 BRICS Summit.

   What is confirmed

   • President Xi Jinping, President Vladimir Putin, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are attending the SCO Summit in Bishkek.
   • Iran has launched strikes against US bases in Jordan following a US attack on Larak Island.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Tensions between Iran and the UAE are threatening a joint statement at the upcoming BRICS Summit.

   What to watch next

   • Outcome of the scheduled meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian
   • Progress on the BRICS joint statement consensus efforts led by New Delhi
   Sources used for this update (10)

   1. www.wionews.com — Latest India & World News Today LIVE: Iran-US exchange attacks, PM Modi to meet Putin as SCO Summit begins
   2. news24online.com — Big trouble for India ahead of BRICS Summit 2026? Iran-UAE rift puts Modi govt in tough diplomatic spot; What happens next?
   3. www.indiaweekly.biz — Sitharaman’s G20 talks put India’s growth, infrastructure and global ambitions in focus
   4. theprint.in — Global media analyses India’s ‘aloof, but engaged’ SCO comeback in the backdrop of a Xi power flex
   5. thediplomat.com — Balancing China and Russia: India’s Tightrope Walk at BRICS
   6. biz.heraldcorp.com — G20 finance ministers target China's 'excess surplus,' urging end to export dependence and non-market policies
   7. jen.jiji.com — Kazakhstan names new Deputy Head of Presidential Affairs Department
   8. jen.jiji.com — VI World Nomad Games: Kazakhstani Tulebekov claims gold in zhamby atu
   9. jen.jiji.com — Dastan Satpaev named Player of the Match against Middlesbrough
   10. jen.jiji.com — Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan deepen cooperation on transboundary water resources
   confidence 90%
2. 15d ago

   Xi, Modi and Putin Gather in Bishkek for 26th SCO Summit

   President Vladimir Putin, President Xi Jinping, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have arrived in Bishkek for the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. The leaders aim to counter Western and US influence while discussing regional security, trade, and connectivity. Putin is seeking to position Russia as a counterweight to the West, while Xi Jinping has informed Putin that the foundations of their bilateral ties will be stronger. Additionally, Modi is scheduled to meet Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during his visit to Kyrgyzstan.

   Why it matters

   The summit takes place as Russia seeks to maintain regional clout amid crumbling influence and increasing reliance on China. The gathering serves as a strategic alignment of non-Western powers to challenge US hegemony in Central Asia. India's participation tests the durability of its ties with Russia and China.

   What is confirmed

   • The 26th SCO Summit is taking place in Bishkek.
   • Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and Narendra Modi are attending the summit.
   • The summit agenda includes regional security, trade, and connectivity.
   • Participating heads of state are meeting to counter US and Western influence.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during the summit.

   What to watch next

   • Official statements on regional security agreements
   • Outcomes of the Modi-Putin bilateral talks
   • Details from the SCO Plus meeting
   Sources used for this update (13)

   1. France 24 — Putin, Xi set for Central Asia summit as Russia, China seek to counter Western influence
   2. WSJ — Putin Turns Again to China’s Xi as Russia’s Clout Crumbles
   3. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty — Putin Looks To Set Russia As Counterweight To West At Bishkek Summit
   4. AP News — Leaders of China, Russia and India are among heads of state meeting to counter US influence
   5. Al Jazeera — Xi, Modi and Putin set to meet for SCO summit: What’s on the agenda?
   6. dw.com — Modi-Putin meeting at SCO: Can India-Russia ties hold?
   7. The Times of Israel — Leaders of China, Russia, India among heads of state meeting to counter US influence
   8. Bloomberg.com — Modi Meets Iran’s President, With Putin Talks to Follow at SCO
   9. Reuters — China's Xi tells Putin that foundations of ties will be stronger
   10. www.outlookindia.com — SCO Summit 2026: PM Modi, Putin, Xi Jinping, Likely To Meet In Bishkek Today
   11. www.livemint.com — US-Iran War: PM Modi to meet Iranian President Pezeshkian during SCO summit
   12. www.outlookindia.com — PM Modi Pays Tribute To Mahatma Gandhi In Bishkek, Meets ‘Friends Of India’ Ahead Of SCO Summit
   confidence 90%