Xi, Putin and Pezeshkian attend SCO summit in Bishkek
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit opened August 31 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, with leaders including Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian attending. The agenda focuses on trade, digital connectivity and cultural exchanges, while sideline talks are expected to address US sanctions and bilateral tensions.
Key Facts
- The 25th SCO summit opened August 31 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
- Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian are among the most prominent attendees.
- Pakistan is set to host the next annual SCO heads-of-state gathering in 2027.
- India signed a $4 billion uranium deal with Kazakhstan earlier in 2026.
Summit Agenda
The official agenda focuses on building trade and digital connections and fostering cultural exchanges. The agenda is seen as aimed at broadly countering US global influence. Before the summit, Xi met with Kyrgyz officials and described bilateral ties as a "golden model of mutually beneficial cooperation," according to Xinhua.
Sideline Diplomacy
Pezeshkian is expected to hold talks aimed at securing Chinese and Russian help in blunting the impact of expanding US sanctions. Putin is expected to meet Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who is attending as an observer, to discuss differences over Yerevan's EU membership efforts. Indian media reported that Modi and Xi were unlikely to hold a face-to-face meeting despite appearing together at the opening ceremony.
Bilateral Tensions
The gathering brings together leaders of countries experiencing bilateral tension, including China and India, Russia and Armenia, and India and Pakistan. Indian officials stated they are "non-committal" about participating in a Pakistani-hosted summit in 2027. In advance of the summit, Modi stopped in Uzbekistan and signed agreements including an MoU on mineral resources and mining. Under the memorandum, the two sides will look to finalize a long-term deal for Uzbekistan to export uranium to India.
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Xi, Putin and Pezeshkian attend SCO summit in Bishkek
