India gears up for month-long summit diplomacy: PM Modi to attend SCO meet, host Brics Summit & address UNGA

New Delhi: India is set for a month of high-stakes diplomacy, beginning with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek from August 31 to September 1, followed by the Brics Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13 and the UN General Assembly (UNGA) later that month, as it seeks to champion the interests of the Global South.

The three gatherings are expected to focus on challenges and opportunities in Eurasia and the Global South, cross-border terrorism, and supply chain disruptions amid ongoing conflicts.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to Bishkek for the SCO Summit before hosting Brics leaders in New Delhi. On the sidelines of the SCO Summit, Modi is expected to meet Central Asian leaders as well as Russian President Vladimir Putin, among others.

India's priorities at the SCO include combating terrorism, extremism and radicalisation, promoting inclusive connectivity, sharing its expertise in startups and Digital Public Infrastructure, and strengthening economic ties with Eurasia, according to people familiar with the country's engagement with the grouping.

As the current Brics chair, India will seek consensus on the New Delhi Declaration, which is expected to focus on reform of international institutions, including the United Nations, trade in national currencies among Brics members, unilateral sanctions, opportunities for the Global South and the impact of disruptions to energy supply chains arising from the Gulf conflict and the situation in Palestine, people familiar with the discussions said.

On the sidelines of the Brics Summit, Modi is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with the presidents of China and Russia, besides leaders of other Brics members, partner countries and outreach invitees.

Also read: India plans to push anti-terror agenda at SCO, Indo-Pacific priorities at Asean

The prime minister is also expected to address the UN General Assembly later in September as India campaigns for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2028-29 term.

In 2024, Modi addressed the UN Summit of the Future in New York ahead of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.

Addressing the Summit of the Future, Modi had said, "Today, I have come to bring the voice of one-sixth humanity to you. When we talk about the global future, then a human-centric approach should be our priority. Prioritising sustainable development, we will have to ensure human welfare, food and health security".

He had also said, "While on one hand, terrorism continues to be a serious threat to global peace and security, on the other hand, cyber security, maritime and space are emerging as new theatres of conflict. On all these issues, I will stress that global action must match global ambition".