Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) 2025 : India’s Role, Summit Updates & Future of Eurasian Geopolitics

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Comprehensive Guide to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) — 2025 Updates

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is one of the most influential intergovernmental organizations in Eurasia, covering almost half of the world’s population and a vast geographic area. Since its inception in 2001, the SCO has expanded its scope from security cooperation to economic connectivity, cultural exchange, energy partnerships, and digital collaboration. By 2025, the SCO has grown to include 10 permanent members with Belarus officially joining in 2024, making it a crucial geopolitical and economic bloc.

In this comprehensive article, we will explore the history of SCO, structure, member states, India’s role, key challenges, and the most recent 2025 Tianjin Summit updates, along with a forward-looking analysis. .

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History of the SCO

The SCO traces its roots back to the Shanghai Five mechanism (1996), which initially included China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. The primary aim was to settle border disputes and enhance trust-building measures. In 2001, with the inclusion of Uzbekistan, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was formally established in Shanghai, China.

Founding Principles

Mutual trust and equality

Non-alignment and non-confrontation

Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity

Regional peace, security, and economic cooperation

Over the years, the SCO has evolved from a narrow security framework into a multi-dimensional regional cooperation platform.

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Structure of the SCO

The SCO has a multi-layered structure that ensures coordination across security, economic, and cultural dimensions:

Council of Heads of State (CHS): Highest decision-making body, meets annually.

Council of Heads of Government (CHG): Deals with economic strategies, trade, and cultural projects.

Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM): Handles day-to-day international political issues.

SCO Secretariat (Beijing, China): Administrative and coordination hub.

Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) (Tashkent, Uzbekistan): Focuses on counter-terrorism, extremism, and separatism.

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Member States (2025)

As of 2025, the SCO consists of 10 full members, 2 observer states, and multiple dialogue partners.

Full Members:

1. China

2. Russia

3. Kazakhstan

4. Kyrgyzstan

5. Tajikistan

6. Uzbekistan

7. India (joined in 2017)

8. Pakistan (joined in 2017)

9. Iran (joined in 2023)

10. Belarus (joined in 2024)

Observers:

Afghanistan, Mongolia

Dialogue Partners:

Turkey, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and others.

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India’s Role in the SCO

India became a full member in 2017, along with Pakistan. Its participation is driven by security, connectivity, energy security, and regional diplomacy.

India’s Priorities in SCO

1. Counter-Terrorism: Cooperation through RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure) to address terrorism, extremism, and drug trafficking.

2. Connectivity: Access to Central Asia’s trade routes and markets.

3. Energy Security: Partnerships with Russia, Iran, and Central Asian energy producers.

4. Digital Economy & Startups: Promoting innovation, IT, and digital inclusion.

5. Cultural Diplomacy: Yoga, Ayurveda, and people-to-people exchanges.

Challenges for India

China-Pakistan Axis: India often faces hurdles due to the close partnership between China and Pakistan.

CPEC Issue: The China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which India opposes.

Strategic Rivalries: India must balance its interests carefully within a group led largely by China and Russia.

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Key Summits and Developments

India’s Presidency (2023)

India hosted the SCO Summit virtually in New Delhi (July 2023).

Emphasis on digital transformation, startups, counter-terrorism, and cultural heritage.

The New Delhi Declaration stressed regional stability and opposition to terrorism.

Astana Summit (2024)

Held in Kazakhstan.

Belarus officially joined as the 10th member.

Focus areas: connectivity, climate change, food security, and multipolarity.

Tianjin Summit (2025)

Held from 31 August to 1 September 2025 in Tianjin, China.

Leaders including Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and India’s PM Narendra Modi participated.

Key highlights:

Showcased AI and humanoid robots assisting media and delegates.

Discussions on regional security, energy partnerships, and digital innovation.

Strengthened cooperation in trade corridors, financial systems, and counter-terrorism.

India raised concerns on terrorism and reiterated its stance on sovereignty and connectivity projects.

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SCO and Security Cooperation

The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) has been central in:

Sharing intelligence on extremist groups.

Conducting joint counter-terrorism military exercises (“Peace Mission” drills).

Combating narcotics trafficking and cybercrime.

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Economic and Energy Dimensions

Energy Security: Russia, Iran, and Central Asian states provide energy alternatives for SCO members.

Trade Corridors: Development of Eurasian transport routes.

Digital Economy: Expanding cooperation on fintech, e-commerce, and startups.

BRI and Connectivity: While many SCO members support China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), India opposes it due to sovereignty concerns.

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Cultural and People-to-People Cooperation

SCO Cultural Festivals, Film Festivals, and Sports: Promote cultural diversity.

Education and Research: Student exchange programs and think tank collaborations.

Traditional Medicine and Yoga: India’s contribution has gained traction across SCO members.

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Challenges Facing SCO

1. China-India-Pakistan Rivalry creates internal tensions.

2. Divergent Interests between Russia and China regarding regional leadership.

3. Afghanistan Factor: Instability poses a security threat to the entire bloc.

4. Debt Concerns: Many countries are cautious of Chinese loans under BRI.

5. Decision-Making: Consensus-based decisions slow down implementation.

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Future of SCO

Looking ahead, the SCO is likely to:

Expand further by including more observer states as members.

Increase focus on climate change, food security, and AI-driven digital economy.

Enhance Eurasian connectivity projects, possibly integrating with regional organizations like Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Strengthen its role as a counterweight to Western alliances like NATO and G7.

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Conclusion

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has emerged as a pivotal institution in global geopolitics, bringing together major powers like China, Russia, India, and Iran. For India, the SCO is both a challenge and an opportunity: a platform to voice its concerns on terrorism, secure energy routes, and expand trade, while also navigating the complexities of the China-Pakistan partnership.

The 2025 Tianjin Summit highlighted the SCO’s growing technological ambition, security cooperation, and relevance in shaping Eurasian geopolitics. Moving forward, the SCO is set to become even more influential in determining the balance of power across Eurasia.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation 2025

SCO Summit Tianjin 2025

India and SCO

SCO Members 2025

SCO Belarus Membership

SCO Iran Membership

SCO and Counter-Terrorism

SCO and India’s Role

Belt and Road Initiative SCO

Eurasian Geopolitics 2025

SCO Digital Economy

SCO Security Cooperation

SCO Energy Security