Modi Talks with Tokayev as Kazakhstan Prepares for Crucial SCO Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. Modi affirmed India's support for the summit's success but is not expected to attend; External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar may represent India. Kazakhstan, this year's chair, will host the event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a conversation with Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Tuesday. This comes days before Kazakhstan hosts the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Sources reveal that the Indian Prime Minister will not be attending the summit scheduled for July 3-4. Modi confirmed the discussion on X, stating, ''Had a good conversation with President of Kazakhstan H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Thanked him for warm wishes on the success in the elections. Reiterated the commitment to advance our Strategic Partnership with Kazakhstan.''

Despite no official confirmation on Modi's participation at the summit, diplomatic sources indicate that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is likely to represent India. The SCO, consisting of India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, is a significant economic and security bloc. Kazakhstan is this year’s chair, while India hosted the virtual SCO summit last year.