PM MODI IN SCO SUMMIT
- The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Summit was held in Tianjin, China, from August 31 to September 1, 2025.
- Theme : “Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move”
- Significance: PM Modi’s first visit to China in 7 years
- India’s Stand: Security, sovereignty, and solidarity in Eurasian multilateralism
WHAT IS SCO?
- A regional intergovernmental organisation focused on political, economic, and security cooperation among Eurasian countries.
- Originated as the “Shanghai Five” in 1996 (China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan)
- Formally established as SCO: 2001, Shanghai
- Headquarters: Beijing, China
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
Decision-Making Bodies
- Council of Heads of States (CHS): Supreme body, meets annually
- Council of Heads of Government (CHG): Prime Ministers, meets annually for economic cooperation strategy
Standing Bodies
- Secretariat: Beijing (Secretary General: Zhang Ming, China – since Jan 1, 2022)
- Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS): Tashkent (Director: R.E. Mirzaev, Uzbekistan – since Jan 1, 2022)
- Terms: 3-year appointments by CHS
CURRENT MEMBERSHIP
Member States (10)
- Belarus, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
Observer States (2)
- Afghanistan, Mongolia
Dialogue Partners (14)
- Azerbaijan, Armenia, Bahrain, Egypt, Cambodia, Qatar, Kuwait, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Sri Lanka
CORE OBJECTIVES
| Area | Goals |
| Security | Combat terrorism, separatism, extremism (Three Evils doctrine) |
| Geopolitics | Promote multipolarity, oppose unilateralism |
| Sovereignty | Uphold non-interference in internal affairs |
| Economy | Promote trade, investment, connectivity, and energy cooperation |
| People-to-People | Foster cultural exchange, youth engagement, traditional knowledge sharing |
PM MODI’S SPEECH
Opening Remarks
- Thanked President Xi Jinping for hosting.
- Extended greetings to Uzbekistan (Independence Day) and Kyrgyzstan (National Day).
PILLAR 1: “S” FOR SECURITY
- Security, peace, and stability are the foundation of development.
- Terrorism is not just a national but global threat.
- Condemned the April 22 Pahalgam attack (26 killed).
- Called out nations openly supporting terrorism, implying Pakistan.
- India led Joint Information Operation under SCO-RATS to target Al-Qaeda.
- Proposed enhanced coordination against radicalisation & terror financing.
- Asserted: “No double standards on terrorism will be acceptable.”
PILLAR 2: “C” FOR CONNECTIVITY (SOVEREIGNTY FIRST)
🔹 PM Modi’s Message:
- “Connectivity fosters not just trade, but trust.”
- “Connectivity that bypasses sovereignty loses trust and meaning.”
- Clear criticism of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) (which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir).
INDIA’S STRATEGIC CONNECTIVITY PROJECTS
A. Chabahar Port – Iran
- Gives India access to Afghanistan and Central Asia
- Counter to Gwadar Port (CPEC)
- Faces uncertainty due to US sanctions
B. International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)
- Multimodal corridor connecting India–Iran–Russia–Europe
- Length: 7,200 km
- Mode: Sea, road, rail
- Signed in: 2000 by India, Iran, Russia
- Participating Countries: 13 including India, Iran, Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Armenia
KEY MILESTONES
| Year | Event |
| 2014 | First Indian container shipment to Russia via INSTC |
| 2022 | Eastern branch through Kazakhstan launched |
| 2024 | Rasht–Bandar-e Anzali rail link (Iran) completed |
| 2025 | Rasht–Astara (final leg) scheduled for completion |
PILLAR 3: “O” FOR OPPORTUNITY
- Highlighted SCO under India’s 2023 presidency:
- Focused on startups, innovation, traditional medicine, youth, digital inclusion.
- Promoted shared Buddhist heritage.
- Proposed a “Civilizational Dialogue Forum” under SCO for cultural exchange.
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