India Reaffirms Women-Led Development at SCO Forum

India reiterated its commitment to women-led development at the SCO Women’s Forum 2026 in Bishkek. Union Minister Annpurna Devi highlighted India's SHG network, Lakhpati Didi progress, Mission Shakti and Mission Poshan 2.0.

At the SCO Women’s Forum in Kyrgyz Republic, India projected women as drivers of economic growth rather than only beneficiaries of welfare. The minister stated that nearly 100 million women are linked to over 9 million Self-Help Groups, and more than 30 million women have become Lakhpati Didis. India presented Mission Shakti and Mission Poshan 2.0 as major pillars supporting safety, care and economic participation of women. The intervention also signalled India’s willingness to deepen cooperation with SCO partners on women’s economic leadership.