Evolution and Objectives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a regional cooperation organization in Central Asia. Central Asia is also referred to as Eurasia by Western analysts. The SCO originated in 1996 as the “Shanghai Five,” comprising five nations: Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan. The initial objective of the Shanghai Five was to foster cooperation among member states to address three security challenges in the region: terrorism, extremism, and separatism.
In 2001, Uzbekistan joined the organization, leading to its renaming as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Its headquarters remained in Shanghai. The SCO Charter was adopted the following year, in 2002. Article 1 of the Charter expanded the organization’s objectives, outlining the following key goals:
1. Strengthening friendship and trust among member states.
2. Enhancing cooperation for peace, security, and stability in the region.
3. Increasing cooperation among members to address major regional security challenges such as terrorism, extremism, separatism, and the illicit trafficking of drugs and arms.
4. Promoting cooperation among members in areas such as economic development, technological advancement, environmental protection, and culture.
5. Developing international relations with other countries and organizations.
Expansion of Membership
In 2001, the SCO had only six member states. Its membership has since expanded. In 2017, India gained membership upon Russia’s proposal, and Pakistan joined following China’s proposal. Iran and Belarus gained membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in 2023 and 2024, respectively; consequently, the organization currently comprises 10 member states. Additionally, the SCO includes two observer states and 15 dialogue partners.
The supreme decision-making body of the SCO is the Heads of State Council, which meets annually. A significant achievement of the SCO is the establishment of RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure), headquartered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. This body facilitates coordination and cooperation among member states regarding counter-terrorism activities.
India’s Role in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization
The SCO is a regional cooperation organization for Central Asia. India regards Central Asia as part of its “Extended Neighbourhood.” India has vital economic and security interests in the region. Beyond trade and investment, India’s economic interests extend to the region’s natural resources—such as uranium and oil in Kazakhstan and uranium in Uzbekistan. India’s security interests are centered on addressing regional challenges, including terrorism, extremism, separatism, and the illicit trafficking of drugs and arms.
India’s role in the SCO can be understood through the following points:
1. India was granted observer status in the SCO in 2005.
2. India became a full member of the SCO in 2017.
3. In 2018, Indian Prime Minister Modi articulated India’s priorities and policy regarding the SCO through the concept of “SECURE” (Security, Economic Development, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity, and Environment Protection). India’s SECURE approach encompasses key elements such as security, connectivity, economic development, and environmental protection. India continues to operate based on this policy.
4. India hosted the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Summit for the first time in July 2023, during which Iran was inducted as a new member. This summit was held in a virtual format.
5. Since becoming a member of the SCO in 2017, the Prime Minister of India has attended every summit, with the exception of the 2024 summit.
6. The 26th SCO Summit concluded in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, on August 31 and September 1, 2026. Prime Minister Modi participated in the summit and placed special emphasis on three issues: security, connectivity, and new opportunities. He also stressed the need for enhanced cooperation among member nations to address three regional challenges—terrorism, extremism, and separatism. Prior to attending this summit, Modi visited Uzbekistan on August 30 and 31, 2026, where the two countries decided to elevate their bilateral ties from a strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
The 2026 is the 25th Anniversary year of SCO.
Image courtesy: SPOINDIA
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