SCO Summit in Bishkek: Leaders used the 26th SCO meeting to push a multipolar agenda, with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov calling for unity and preventive diplomacy so disputes don’t turn into crises. Counter-Terror Message: Indian PM Narendra Modi urged SCO states to dismantle the full “ecosystem” behind terrorism, warning against safe havens and “double standards,” while also backing practical cooperation on security, drugs, and connectivity. SCO+ Talks: Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus backed stronger roles for the bloc in crisis prevention and global governance, with Lukashenko saying people want concrete steps now. Middle Corridor & Regional Connectivity: Turkish President Erdoğan said Türkiye is working to develop the Middle Corridor through Azerbaijan and link it with the Belt and Road, stressing secure transport and energy supply. Iran-US Tensions: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran would “immediately” reciprocate if the U.S. returns to a June deal, as talks and attacks around the Strait of Hormuz keep tensions high. Diplomacy in the Sidelines: Putin and Xi met on Aug. 31 and discussed visa-free travel; Erdoğan met Kyrgyz President Zhaparov; and Azerbaijan’s Aliyev met Erdoğan, highlighting peace and allied ties. Culture & Soft Power: The World Nomad Games opened in Bishkek with delegations from 100+ countries and 21 heads of state, turning the SCO spotlight into a major cultural event.