Kazakhstan requests PM Modi's virtual presence at July 4 SCO Summit

Kazakhstan has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate virtually in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on July 4, despite his decision to skip the event due to the ongoing Parliament session in India and strained relations with China. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent India at the summit in Astana. The summit will focus on counterterrorism and Eurasian connectivity, with discussions on the International North-South Transport Corridor and Chabahar Port. Kazakhstan had hoped for Modi's attendance for both the summit and a bilateral meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.