25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit

GS2 – International Relations

Context

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 25th SCO Summit held at Tianjin, China.
• This was the fifth time China hosted the Summit.
• Theme: “Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move.”

Major Outcomes of the 25th SCO Summit

1. SCO Development Bank – Agreement to set up a development bank to finance infrastructure and connectivity projects.
2. Border Confidence Measures – Proposal to convert borders into zones of cooperation and trust.
3. Chairmanship – Kyrgyzstan took over the rotating presidency and will convene the 2026 Summit.
4. Palestine – Members expressed support for a fair resolution of the Palestine issue as a foundation for durable peace in West Asia.
5. Iran Nuclear Deal – Reaffirmation of commitment to UNSC Resolution 2231, stressing adherence to nuclear obligations and easing sanctions.
6. Tianjin Declaration – Adopted to enhance security, development partnerships, and multilateral engagement.

Key Highlights of the Tianjin Declaration

• Counter-Terrorism – Strong condemnation of terrorism in all forms; referenced the Pahalgam and Jaffer Express attacks.
• Global South Priority – Stressed strengthening the role of the Global South in global economic governance.
• Rejection of Unilateralism – Opposed unilateral coercive measures inconsistent with the UN Charter and WTO framework.
• Global Unity Initiative – Endorsed the initiative “On Global Unity for a Just World, Harmony & Development.”

About the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

• Nature – Eurasian political, economic, and security grouping.
• Headquarters – Beijing, China.
• Origin – Established in 2001, evolved from the Shanghai Five (1996) with Uzbekistan’s inclusion.
• Membership (10 states):
  • Founding: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan.
  • Expansion 2017: India, Pakistan.
  • New Members: Iran, Belarus.
• Scale – Covers 60% of Eurasia, 40% of world population, nearly 20% of global GDP → largest regional grouping by area and population.
• Security Mechanism – RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure), Tashkent – combats terrorism, separatism, and extremism.

Joint Exercise – Peaceful Mission, a biennial counter-terrorism military drill.