Bishkek Declaration 2026
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) adopted the Bishkek Declaration during its 26th Summit, held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from 31 August to 1 September 2026.
The declaration reaffirmed the member countries’ commitment to combating terrorism, strengthening cyber security, supporting diplomatic solutions to international conflicts, and promoting reforms in global governance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also outlined India’s vision for the SCO, emphasizing Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity.
About the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a regional political, economic, and security organisation that brings together countries across Eurasia to promote peace, stability, and regional cooperation.
The organisation currently has ten member states:
- India
- China
- Russia
- Pakistan
- Iran
- Belarus
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Tajikistan
- Uzbekistan
India became a full member in 2017. The 2026 summit also marked 25 years of the SCO, making it one of the world’s largest regional organisations in terms of both population and geographical coverage.
Since its inception, the SCO has focused on combating the “three evils”—terrorism, separatism, and extremism—while expanding cooperation in trade, connectivity, energy, culture, and regional development.
What is the Bishkek Declaration?
The Bishkek Declaration is the joint outcome document adopted by all SCO Heads of State during the 2026 summit.
Signed by leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Xi Jinping, and President Vladimir Putin, the declaration outlines the organisation’s collective position on regional security, international cooperation, cyber threats, global governance, and economic collaboration.
Strong Stand Against Terrorism
Counter-terrorism remained the central theme of the declaration.
The member states unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and rejected any form of double standards in addressing terrorist activities.
The declaration called upon the international community to strengthen cooperation against:
- Terrorism
- Extremism
- Separatism
- Cross-border movement of terrorists
It also reaffirmed support for implementing the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and relevant UN Security Council resolutions in accordance with international law.
The SCO members further stressed that terrorist, separatist, and extremist organisations should never be used to advance political or strategic interests.
Cyber and Information Security
Recognising the growing misuse of digital platforms, the declaration highlighted the importance of strengthening international cooperation in cyber security.
The member countries agreed to:
- Prevent the misuse of the internet by terrorist organisations.
- Enhance coordination on international information security.
- Protect digital infrastructure.
- Cooperate against emerging forms of cybercrime and online extremism.
The declaration acknowledged that cyber threats have become a major challenge to regional and global security.
Position on West Asia
The SCO expressed serious concern over the ongoing situation in West Asia and advocated peaceful resolution of conflicts through diplomacy and dialogue.
The declaration reaffirmed support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iran while encouraging all stakeholders to reduce tensions through political engagement.
The member states also expressed condolences over the passing of the Supreme Leader of Iran.
Reforming Global Governance
The Bishkek Declaration called for reforms in global governance institutions to better reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.
The SCO members supported:
- Greater multilateral cooperation.
- Peaceful settlement of international disputes.
- Opposition to bloc-based politics and confrontation.
- Respect for international law and the UN Charter.
The declaration emphasized dialogue over conflict as the preferred approach to resolving international disagreements.
India's Key Messages at the Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused on three major themes during his address: conflict, terrorism, and connectivity.
Conflict Has Global Consequences
Prime Minister Modi observed that conflicts in one region increasingly affect the entire world.
Referring to the crisis in West Asia, he noted that regional conflicts disrupt:
- Global energy security.
- Maritime trade routes.
- International supply chains.
He emphasized that developing countries often bear the greatest economic burden of such instability and reiterated that lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy.
Firm Stand Against Terrorism
The Prime Minister described terrorism as one of the greatest threats facing humanity.
He called for coordinated international action to dismantle:
- Terror financing.
- Recruitment networks.
- Radicalisation.
- Safe havens supporting terrorist organisations.
He stressed that countries using terrorism as an instrument of state policy should not receive international legitimacy and reiterated that there can be no double standards in combating terrorism.
Connectivity Based on Sovereignty
Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s support for regional connectivity initiatives that promote trade, investment, and economic growth.
However, he underlined that all connectivity projects must fully respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of participating countries, describing this principle as fundamental to the SCO Charter.
India's Vision for the SCO
India reiterated its long-term vision for the organisation based on three guiding principles:
- S – Security
- C – Connectivity
- O – Opportunity
The Prime Minister stated that while the SCO has laid a strong foundation over the past 25 years, the next phase should focus on delivering tangible benefits through deeper cooperation.
India has also launched several initiatives within the SCO framework, including the Start-up Forum, Young Authors’ Conclave, and Young Scientists’ Forum. Additionally, the first SCO Civilizational Dialogue Forum, proposed by India, is scheduled to be hosted in India later this year.
Conclusion
The Bishkek Declaration 2026 reinforces the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s commitment to regional peace, security, economic cooperation, and multilateralism. For India, the summit provided an opportunity to advocate stronger action against terrorism, promote rules-based connectivity, and advance its vision of a stable, secure, and prosperous Eurasian region. As the SCO enters its next quarter century, its effectiveness will depend on translating political commitments into practical cooperation across security, trade, technology, and regional development.
Bishkek Declaration 2026-FAQs Answered
What is the Bishkek Declaration 2026?
The Bishkek Declaration is the joint outcome document adopted at the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, covering security, terrorism, cyber security, global governance and regional cooperation.
What are the main issues highlighted in the Bishkek Declaration?
The declaration focuses on counter-terrorism, cyber security, regional stability, peaceful conflict resolution, connectivity and reforms in global governance.
What is India’s vision for the SCO?
India’s vision is based on Security, Connectivity and Opportunity (SCO), with emphasis on combating terrorism, promoting sovereign connectivity and expanding practical cooperation.
What is the SCO and how many members does it have?
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a regional political, economic and security organisation. It currently has 10 member states, including India, China, Russia, Pakistan and Iran.
Why is the Bishkek Declaration important for India?
It provides India a platform to advocate stronger counter-terrorism cooperation, rules-based connectivity, diplomatic solutions to conflicts and greater multilateral cooperation in Eurasia.
