26 Years of the Shanghai Cooperation
Organisation : From Shared Vision to Shared
Growth
As the Shanghai CooperationOrganisation (SCO) marks its 26th anniversary, it is both a moment of reflection and a call to action. I extend my warm greetings to all 10 SCO Member States and 17 Partner Countries who together represent one of the world’s most diverse and influential regional groupings. Over the past two and a half decades, the SCO has evolved from a confidence-building mechanism into a comprehensive multilateral platform rooted in cooperation, dialogue and mutual respect.
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Founded on 15 June 2001, the SCO
was established on the enduring principles of mutual trust, sovereign equality,
respect for territorial integrity and a shared responsibility for peace and
development. These principles were not merely aspirational; they were born out
of a regional need for stability, understanding and cooperation in a rapidly
transforming Eurasian landscape. Today, with nearly 40 percent of the world’s
population residing within SCO countries, the organisation carries both immense
responsibility and unparalleled potential.
In its early years, the SCO was
understandably focused on regional security, counterterrorism and stability.
Given the geopolitical realities of the time, this emphasis was essential.
However, as the region has matured and economies have become increasingly
interconnected, the SCO’s role has expanded well beyond security concerns.
Culture, tourism, trade, industry, innovation and people-to-people exchanges
have emerged as equally powerful pillars of cooperation. The SCO has
increasingly recognised that sustainable peace is inseparable from shared
economic progress.
This transition was clearly
reflected at the 25th SCO Summit held in China, which marked a significant
milestone in the organisation’s journey. The adoption of the Tianjin
Declaration and the SCO Development Strategy for 2026–2035 signalled a decisive
shift from vision-setting to implementation. The summit underscored a
collective understanding that the future relevance of the SCO will be
determined not only by dialogue but by measurable outcomes that improve
livelihoods across member states.
What made the Tianjin Summit
particularly important was its clear rebalancing of priorities. While security
remains a foundational concern, there is now a stronger and more deliberate
focus on economic cooperation, industrial partnerships, infrastructure
connectivity, innovation, digital transformation and sustainable development.
This recalibration reflects the realities of the present world, where economic
resilience, supply chain integration and inclusive growth are central to
national and regional stability.
India’s role in this evolving SCO
landscape has been both dynamic and purposeful. As a founding member since 2017
and an active contributor to the organisation’s agenda, India has consistently
advocated for development-oriented cooperation, transparency and mutual
benefit. India’s approach to the SCO has been guided by the belief that
economic growth, when inclusive and collaborative, can become the strongest
bridge between nations with diverse political systems and cultural traditions.
India’s constructive and
forward-looking engagement with the SCO has been shaped by the visionary
leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the steady
diplomatic stewardship of Hon’ble External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.
Under the Prime Minister’s guidance, India has consistently advocated for an
SCO that is development-driven, people-centric and respectful of sovereignty,
while emphasising connectivity, innovation and sustainable growth as pillars of
regional cooperation. Hon'ble Dr. Jaishankar has played a pivotal role in translating
this vision into actionable diplomacy, articulating India’s perspectives with
clarity and confidence, strengthening strategic trust among member states, and
ensuring India’s proactive participation in shaping the SCO’s evolving economic
and political agenda. Together, their leadership has reinforced India’s role as
a responsible and influential stakeholder within the SCO framework.
From championing greater trade facilitation and startup collaboration to promoting traditional knowledge, digital public infrastructure and sustainable tourism, India has brought practical and people-centric ideas to the SCO platform. India’s emphasis on respect for sovereignty, dialogue-based solutions and shared prosperity aligns seamlessly with the founding ethos of the organisation.
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In my capacity as Chairman of the
National Part of the SCO Business Council Secretariat of the Republic of India,
I firmly believe that the coming decade presents a unique opportunity to deepen
economic engagement within the SCO framework. Business-to-business cooperation
must become a central driver of SCO integration. Governments can create
enabling policies, but it is enterprises, entrepreneurs and industries that
translate intent into impact.
The SCO region is home to vast
natural resources, skilled human capital, growing consumer markets and emerging
innovation ecosystems. Stronger industry collaboration across manufacturing,
energy, logistics, agriculture, technology and services can unlock new value
chains and reduce dependency on external markets. Small and medium enterprises,
in particular, stand to benefit immensely from structured platforms that
facilitate cross-border partnerships, knowledge exchange and access to finance.
Equally important is the role of culture and tourism as enablers of economic and social cohesion. Cultural exchanges and tourism initiatives within the SCO not only generate employment but also foster mutual understanding and trust at a grassroots level. Shared heritage, art, music and traditions can become powerful connectors, complementing formal diplomatic and economic engagements.
Inclusivity must remain central
to the SCO’s growth story. Economic cooperation should not be limited to large
corporations or metropolitan centres alone. The real success of the SCO
Development Strategy will be measured by its ability to uplift smaller economies,
regional industries, youth and local communities across member states. Skill
development, education exchanges and youth-led entrepreneurship must be
actively integrated into SCO programmes.
As the SCO enters its 26th year,
the organisation stands at a defining juncture. The foundations are strong, the
vision is clear, and the collective will, is evident. What is required now is
consistent implementation, deeper coordination and a results-oriented approach.
The Tianjin Declaration and the Development Strategy provide a robust roadmap;
it is now up to all stakeholders-governments, businesses and civil society-to
bring this roadmap to life.
The SCO’s strength has always
been its diversity. In a world increasingly marked by fragmentation and
uncertainty, the SCO offers an alternative model of cooperation based on
dialogue, mutual respect and shared development. By reinforcing economic partnerships
and nurturing people-to-people connections, the organisation can continue to
serve as a stabilising and progressive force across the Eurasian region.
On this 26th anniversary, the
SCO’s journey reminds us that regional cooperation is not a destination but a
continuous process. With renewed commitment, collaborative spirit and
collective responsibility, the SCO can move confidently from shared vision to
shared growth-benefiting not just its member states, but the global community
at large.
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