Bishkek, August 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bishkek on Sunday to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov.

The summit will focus on key regional and international issues and ways to strengthen cooperation among SCO member states. PM Modi’s arrival was warmly welcomed by the Indian diaspora and local residents.

Before reaching Kyrgyzstan, Modi concluded a two-day state visit to Uzbekistan, where India and Uzbekistan elevated their ties to aComprehensive Strategic Partnershipand set a target of raising bilateral trade to USD 5 billion by 2030.

During the visit, Modi was also honoured with Uzbekistan’s highest award for foreign leaders, the‘Oliy Darajali Do'stlik’ Order, for his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations.

His participation in the SCO Summit is expected to further deepen India’s engagement with the organisation and its Central Asian partners.