SCO Summit in Bishkek: 25 years of regional cooperation.

Published by: Greatfuture Info

August 31, New Delhi:

 The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation leaders are gathering in Bishkek for a summit marking 25 years of the bloc's existence.

The 2-day meeting brings together 10 member-nations to discuss security, terrorism, trade and regional connectivity.

This year carries special significance because it marks 25 years since the SCO was formally established in Kyrgyzstan, which has held the rotating chairmanship through 2025 and 2026. The theme to mark this occasion is '25 Years of the SCO: Together Towards Sustainable Peace, Development and Prosperity.'

The organisation traces its roots back to 1996 when China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan came together as what was known as the Shanghai Five, largely to resolve border issues and build trust after the Cold War. In 2001, Uzbekistan joined and the group was formally renamed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

Over the years it has grown well beyond its original security focus, expanding into economic cooperation, connectivity, counter terrorism, trade and cultural exchange. Today it counts ten full members, including China, Russia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Iran and Belarus making it the largest regional bloc in the world by geography and population.

At this Bishkek summit, leaders are expected to sign what’s being called the Bishkek Declaration, alongside other documents on the bloc’s future direction. Discussions are expected to center on regional security, cooperation against terrorism and extremism, economic and trade connectivity, transport links and digital cooperation.

India’s journey with the SCO has its own story. New Delhi joined as a full member in 2017, marking the organisation’s first expansion since 2001 and bringing South Asia formally into a bloc that had until then been centred on China, Russia and Central Asia.

Since joining India has consistently pushed for stronger, unified action against cross border terrorism, often calling out double standards among member states on the issue. It has also worked to broaden the SCO’s agenda beyond security, promoting cooperation in areas like startups, traditional medicine and people to people and civilizational ties with Central Asia. India hosted the summit itself in 2023, held virtually where it emphasized connectivity and reform of multilateral institutions.

At this year’s summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending as part of a broader Central Asia tour that also includes a state visit to Uzbekistan. In Bishkek, he is expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings with heads of state,

Delhi’s priorities at the summit will center on security, connectivity and economic opportunity, with a renewed push for coordinated action against terrorism and radicalisation in the region, alongside discussions on trade, energy and digital connectivity with Central Asia.