The Kyrgyzstan Agenda: From Vision to Action within the SCO Framework

By Mr. Tribhuvan Darbari

Within the evolving framework of the ShanghaiCooperation Organisation (SCO), the Kyrgyzstan Agenda brings into focus an aspect of multilateral cooperation that often receives less attention than it deserves-the strength of grassroots engagement translated into practical action. While strategic dialogues and high-level agreements remain essential, lasting regional stability is ultimately shaped by how cooperation touches businesses, communities and people on the ground.

During India’s Presidency of the SCO in 2022–23, the guiding principle for our collective work was the ‘SECURE’ vision articulated by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji-one that emphasises security, economic development, connectivity, unity, respect for sovereignty and environmental responsibility. This vision was not treated as an abstract ideal, but as a working framework that shaped the activities of the SCO Business Council and reinforced the very spirit that the Kyrgyzstan Agenda seeks to advance.

Under the visionary leadership of Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi Ji, India’s engagement with the SCO has been  shaped by the steady and thoughtful leadership of Hon’ble External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. His diplomacy brought clarity and confidence to India’s interactions within the SCO - rooted in mutual respect, strategic realism and a clear articulation of national interest. He ensured that India’s vision for the SCO moved beyond intent and found expression in meaningful partnerships. His approach reinforced the idea that effective multilateralism is built not on rhetoric, but on trust, continuity and quiet perseverance.

For me, engagement with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has never been limited to formal meetings or institutional mandates. As Chairman of the National Part of the SCO Business Council Secretariat, Republic of India, I have witnessed closely how multilateral cooperation translates into real opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs and communities across our region. My participation at the Council of Heads of Governments meeting in Bishkek reinforced a conviction I have long held-that the true strength of the SCO lies not only in strategic alignment at the top, but in the depth and sincerity of cooperation at the grassroots. It is this perspective that shapes my reading of the Kyrgyzstan Agenda and its relevance for the SCO’s future.

Over the course of the year, this approach translated into concrete outcomes. More than 80 conferences and forums, alongside 25 major exhibitions, were organised across key sectors such as agriculture, transport, logistics, tourism and digitalisation. These platforms brought together representatives from over 1,200 companies across SCO member states, observers and dialogue partners. The scale of participation reflected a growing recognition that economic cooperation within the SCO must be broad-based and inclusive, rather than concentrated in a few sectors or capitals.

A particularly meaningful milestone was the SCO MSME Confluence - Marching Towards Growth, organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry in collaboration with the Ministry of MSME, Government of India. The strong participation of MSMEs from sectors such as agri-tech, food processing and tourism reaffirmed a core belief that underpins the Kyrgyzstan Agenda-small and medium enterprises are the backbone of regional economies. They generate employment, nurture innovation and anchor growth within local communities. Regional prosperity cannot be built solely by large corporations; it is sustained by millions of entrepreneurs whose work directly shapes livelihoods.

The Business Council’s Board Meeting and Business Forum held in May 2023 further elevated the quality of engagement within the SCO ecosystem. The participation of senior representatives from the Ministry of External Affairs and Education, the India Trade Promotion Organisation and global experts in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity signalled an important shift. Economic cooperation within the SCO is increasingly forward-looking, attentive not only to present opportunities but also to future capabilities.

These discussions also helped identify new focus areas that align closely with the Kyrgyzstan Agenda’s emphasis on inclusivity-women’s empowerment through entrepreneurship, medical value travel and the textiles and fashion industry. Each of these sectors has a strong social dimension, creating opportunities for employment, skill development and cross-border collaboration while strengthening cultural and economic linkages among member states.

Another significant idea that emerged was the proposal to establish an SCO Centre for Excellence for Emerging Technologies. Such an initiative reflects a shared understanding that technological progress must be collaborative, accessible and aligned with regional development needs. Innovation, when shared, becomes a unifying force rather than a source of disparity.

Connectivity, a recurring theme in the Kyrgyzstan Agenda, was also reinforced through active preparation for major international events hosted in New Delhi, including World Food India 2023 and the India International Trade Fair. The acceptance of a dedicated “Pavilion of SCO Countries” at these events was more than a symbolic gesture. It created tangible spaces for interaction, visibility and partnership-allowing businesses from SCO member states to engage directly, explore opportunities and build trust through participation rather than protocol.

Beyond economics, the Kyrgyzstan Agenda reminds us that security and stability are deeply connected to social well-being. When people have access to livelihoods, education and opportunity, societies become more resilient. This holistic understanding of security-integrating economic, social and cultural dimensions-is one of the SCO’s defining strengths.

Cultural preservation and exchange remain equally vital. Heritage is not a static inheritance; it is a living source of identity and cohesion. When cultural confidence is nurtured, cooperation becomes more natural and less defensive. The SCO’s emphasis on cultural dialogue strengthens mutual respect and creates space for constructive engagement across diverse societies.

In many ways, the Kyrgyzstan Agenda represents the human face of multilateralism. It reminds us that cooperation is not confined to conference halls. It is lived in markets where goods are exchanged, in enterprises where ideas take shape, in classrooms where young minds are prepared for the future, and in cultural spaces where identities are shared with pride.

The Kyrgyzstan Agenda offers not just a framework, but a reminder: multilateralism endures when people can see themselves reflected in it. When cooperation delivers tangible benefits, trust grows organically-and regional unity becomes a lived reality rather than a stated objective.

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