Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)

What is it?

A regional intergovernmental body that emphasizes collaboration in political, economic, and security matters.

Founded in

2001 in Shanghai, developing from the "Shanghai Five" alliance (1996).

Main Offices

Peking, China.

Subscription

8 Enduring Members: China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan.

Observers: Afghanistan, Belarus, Mongolia, Iran (currently progressing towards full membership).

Dialogue Partners: Turkey, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and more.

Goals

Encourage peace and stability in the region.

Enhance collaboration to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism.

Improve economic interconnections and trade unification.

Promote cultural interactions and connections among individuals.

Maintain the tenet of multipolarity and refraining from interference in domestic matters.

Key Projects

Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) based in Tashkent.

SCO Development Bank's suggestion for financial collaboration.

Projects in energy safety, transportation routes, farming, digital economy, and cultural interactions.

Yearly collaborative military drills (Peace Mission series).

2025 SCO Summit Highlights (Tianjin, China)

Organized by: China (its fifth time in this role).

Theme: “Promoting the Shanghai Spirit: SCO in Action”.

Areas of Concentration:

Implementation of a decade-long development plan (2025–2035).

Assessment of 25 years of SCO accomplishments.

Cooperation in counter-terrorism and regional security.

Enhancing projects related to trade, energy, and connectivity.

Advocate for eco-friendly growth and climate initiatives.

Involvement: Over 20 global leaders and 10 heads of international organizations.

India’s Role: To promote regional connectivity, counter-terrorism efforts, energy partnerships, and sustainable development while maintaining relationships with Russia, China, and Central Asia.