SCO Summit 2025

Introduction

The SCO Summit 2025 was held in Tianjin, China. It is the 25th SCO summit. SCO stands for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The summit marked a significant shift in global politics. Ten nations took part in this event: China, India, Russia, Iran, Pakistan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

The countries that took part in the SCO summit 2025 adopted the Tianjin Declaration. The summit addresses security, economic, and social challenges. Moreover, it also promotes regional cooperation and a multipolar world order. The SCO operates on the principles of the “Shanghai Spirit.” These principles include 

• mutual trust, 
• mutual benefit, 
• equality, 
• consultation, 
• respect for cultural diversity, 
• pursuit of common development. 

The SCO provides an alternative to Western-dominated multilateral institutions.

SCO Summit: Brief History

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) emerged from the “Shanghai Five” mechanism. This mechanism was established in 1996. The founding countries of the SCO are: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. The primary purpose of the SCO is to resolve border disputes. Uzbekistan joined the group in 2000. The SCO was formally founded on June 15, 2001.

Initially, the organization focused on regional security and counter-terrorism. However, it later expanded its mandate. Now, SCO also looks over:

• economic cooperation
• cultural exchanges
• energy security. 

a. In 2017, India and Pakistan became full members.

b. Iran joined in 2023.

c. Belarus joined the SCO in 2024.

Key Documents Signed at the SCO Summit 2025

A total of 20 important documents were signed at the 25th SCO summit. These documents were signed at the Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO in Tianjin. These signed documents shaped the future agenda of the grouping.

1. Strategic Declarations and Resolutions

The Tianjin Declaration was adopted as the central political outcome of the SCO summit 2025. This is an important step forward for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). As part of this progress, a Development Strategy for 2026–2035 was approved. This strategy outlines long-term priorities and direction for the SCO’s growth over the next decade. Additionally, a Cooperation Programme for 2026–2030 was established to counter extremist ideology within the SCO space. The roadmap for SCO Energy Cooperation was also set to extend until 2030. In a notable development, the SCO was granted observer status within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Furthermore, Cholpon Ata in the Kyrgyz Republic was declared the SCO tourist and cultural capital for the years 2025–2026.

2. Institutional Strengthening

Recently, four new SCO centers were inaugurated. Each of these SCO centres is designated with specific roles to address pressing issues. The issues include:

• Countering security threats and challenges
• Tackling transnational organized crime
• Enhancing information and cybersecurity
• Strengthening anti-drug cooperation. 

Additionally, an important decision was made to establish an SCO Development Bank. This bank aims to promote infrastructure development, economic progress, and social cooperation among member states.

3. Expanded Cooperation Platforms

The 25th SCO summit announced initiatives to create new SCO platforms and centers in the fields of:

• Energy and sustainable growth.
• Green industry and climate-friendly practices.
• Digital economy and cybersecurity.
• Artificial intelligence, tech innovation, and higher education.
• Vocational and technical education for workforce development.

4. Structural Reforms and Expansion

A breakthrough in structural reforms has occurred. Observer states and dialogue partners have merged into a single category of SCO partners. This change has granted Laos partner status. As a result, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has expanded into a 27-nation family. It now includes 10 member states and 17 partners.

SCO Summit 2025 Declaration

Key issues were raised and mentioned in the 25th SCO summit. Some of them are:

1. Pahalgam Attack

The declaration explicitly condemned the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack in India. As a result, 26 people died. Moreover, the SCO summit 2025 expressed condolences to the families of the victims. Furthermore, there was a strong call to bring the perpetrators and their sponsors to justice. In addition to this, other incidents were condemned, including the Jaffer Express hijacking that occurred in March. Moreover, the Khuzdar school bus bombing in May in Pakistan was also mentioned, highlighting the need for collective action against such heinous acts.

2. Departure from the Defence Ministers’ Meet

At the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao in June 2025, Pahalgam was omitted from the draft statement. This is due to opposition from Pakistan. India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh refused to sign the declaration. He insisted that concerns regarding terrorism must be included. Hence, three months later, during the leaders’ summit, this omission was rectified. As a result, the final statement explicitly mentioned Pahalgam. Furthermore, it addressed the issue of cross-border terrorism.

3. Changing India-China Dynamics

India and China are starting to improve their relationship. Prime Minister Modi has visited China for the first time in seven years to meet President Xi Jinping. The SCO summit in Tianjin shows that China wants to strengthen its ties with India. This is mainly due to pressure from US tariffs. However, the declaration does not mention Pakistan’s involvement in terrorism. The mention of Pahalgam for India in the SCO summit 2025 is a progress. However, building trust with China will take time.

SCO Summit 2025: PM Modi’s Speech; Key Highlights

Some of the key highlights of PM Narendra Modi’s speech at the SCO summit in Tainjin are as follows:

1. PM Modi outlined India’s SCO vision under a three-pillar framework:

• Security
• Connectivity
• Opportunity

2. He emphasised that peace and stability are important for prosperity. PM Modi called for firm, coordinated action against terrorism, radicalisation, and terror financing. Moreover, he also rejected double standards.

3. PM Modi thanked the member states of the SCO for their solidarity after the Pahalgam terror attack. Moreover,  he also requested accountability for countries supporting cross-border terrorism.

4. PM Modi addressed India’s steps on connectivity. He reaffirmed India’s strong backing for projects like the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor. Additionally, he highlighted opportunities in 

• startups, 
• innovation, 
• youth empowerment,
• cultural exchange. 

5. He also proposed establishing a Civilizational Dialogue Forum under the SCO to deepen people-to-people ties.

6. PM Modi welcomed new initiatives to counter organized crime, drug trafficking, and cyber threats. This supports the SCO’s reform agenda.

7. He urged a similar approach for reforming global institutions. This includes the United Nations. The goal is to make them more representative and effective.

Importance of the SCO Summit 2025

The importance of the 25th SCO summit is as follows:

1. Global South Leadership

The SCO Summit 2025 positioned member states as leaders of the Global South. They are advocating for reformed international institutions and representative global governance. This role extends beyond cooperation. It includes global reform advocacy.

Member states called for reformed multilateral institutions. They want these institutions to represent the interests of developing nations better. This includes proposals for reforming the United Nations Security Council. There are also calls for changes in the governance of international financial institutions. Additionally, new frameworks for technology governance are being proposed. At the SCO Plus Meeting, the Chinese President proposed a Global Governance Initiative (GGI). This initiative aims for a more just and equitable global governance system.

The organization’s expansion to 10 members and 17 partners now includes Laos. This growth spans Central Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. It demonstrates the organization’s global influence. The geographic diversity of the members strengthens the SCO’s claim to represent Global South perspectives.

2. Russia-India-China (RIC) Triangle

The SCO Summit 2025 highlighted dynamics between the organization’s three largest economies. The cooperation between Chinese President Xi, Russian President Putin, and Indian Prime Minister Modi is significant. They are working together on common global issues. This collaboration signals a renewed vigor for exploring alternative partnership models. 

India’s participation reflected its commitment to strategic autonomy. The country is balancing engagement with the SCO while maintaining independent positions. The Indian Prime Minister had a bilateral meeting with Xi Jinping. This meeting marked their first encounter on Chinese soil in seven years. It signals a thawing in bilateral relations.

SCO Summit 2025: Challenges and Limitations

Despite its achievements, the SCO Summit 2025 is facing internal challenges. Many factors create obstacles to integration. Some of them are competing national interests, bilateral disputes, and varying development levels.

Decision-making is also made complicated due to:

• border disputes between member states
• different approaches to connectivity projects
• varying relationships with external powers

China’s position in commerce creates trade imbalances. Due to this, there are also asymmetries that smaller members struggle to address. Balancing China’s leadership with other members’ interests remains a challenge.

SCO Summit 2025: Toward a Multipolar World Order

The 25th SCO Summit outcomes suggest implications for global governance evolution. The organization has made significant institutional innovations. These innovations range from development banking to technology cooperation platforms. Consequently, they serve as templates for alternative international structures.

The summit emphasizes sovereignty and non-interference. It also highlights mutual benefit. This approach appeals to many developing nations. These nations are seeking alternatives to conditional aid and structural adjustment programs.

As global power shifts toward Eurasia and emerging economies, the role of the SCO becomes important. The organization facilitates this transition by providing a framework for major powers. This framework allows them to coordinate their positions on global issues while addressing various challenges.

Conclusion

The SCO Summit 2025 marked a moment in the evolution toward a multipolar world order. The member states showed their commitment to reshaping international governance through various means. Some of them included institutional innovations and technological cooperation initiatives, along with diplomatic positions.

The summit’s outcomes extend beyond cooperation. The declarations in the SCO summit 2025 challenge existing global structures and propose alternatives. The SCO is positioning itself as a leader in 21st-century institutional innovation. This includes areas like development banking and AI governance.

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