June 26: India reaffirmed its commitment to women-led development at the SCO Women's Forum 2026 held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, with Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annpurna Devi highlighting the country's progress in women's economic empowerment and inclusive growth.
Addressing the forum through a video message, the minister reiterated India's commitment to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and its principles of mutual respect, equality and consensus, while emphasizing stronger regional cooperation to advance shared development goals.
Speaking during the panel discussion on the role of women in economic development, Annpurna Devi said women are not merely beneficiaries of development but key drivers of economic and social transformation. She noted that this vision forms the foundation of India's women-led development approach and the country's goal of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Highlighting government initiatives, the minister said nearly 100 million women are associated with over 9 million Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across India, with more than 3 million women achieving the status of Lakhpati Didi. She also underlined the role of flagship schemes such as Mission Shakti and Mission Poshan 2.0 in strengthening women's safety, nutrition, care and economic participation.
India also expressed its readiness to deepen cooperation with SCO member countries by sharing its experience in promoting women's entrepreneurship, economic leadership and social welfare across the region.
