From Tianjin to Transformation: Reimagining 

Eurasian Cooperation through the SCO Vision

By Tribhuvan Darbari

As we move forward into a period marked by rapid geopolitical shifts and technological acceleration, the outcomes of the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, recently held in Tianjin, China, stand out as both timely and consequential. The Summit was not merely another multilateral gathering; it was a defining moment that reaffirmed the collective resolve of SCO member states to shape a cooperative, multipolar and technology-driven Eurasia - one that balances economic growth with strategic stability and sustainable development.

At the heart of the Tianjin Summit, was the adoption of two landmark documents: the Tianjin Declaration and the SCO Development Strategy (2026–2035). Together, these instruments offer a transformative roadmap for regional collaboration over the coming decade. They reflect a shared understanding that the future of Eurasia will be determined not only by traditional diplomacy, but by how effectively nations cooperate in emerging domains such as artificial intelligence, the digital economy, green industry and connectivity-led growth.

The SCO has always been unique in its composition and character. Bringing together countries with diverse political systems, cultures and levels of development, it has evolved into a platform that prioritises dialogue over division and cooperation over confrontation. The Tianjin Summit further strengthened this ethos by clearly articulating a vision of multipolarity that is inclusive, development-oriented and grounded in mutual respect for sovereignty.

A particularly significant aspect of the Summit was the emphasis placed on technology as an enabler of shared prosperity. The SCO Development Strategy (2026–2035) recognises that artificial intelligence and digital technologies are no longer optional tools; they are central to economic competitiveness, governance efficiency and social transformation. By committing to cooperation in AI innovation and the digital economy, SCO member states have signalled their intent to bridge digital divides, promote responsible innovation and ensure that technological progress benefits societies at large rather than a select few.

Equally important is the renewed focus on green industry and sustainable development. As climate change and environmental degradation pose common challenges across the Eurasian region, the SCO’s strategic orientation towards green growth reflects a mature understanding of shared responsibility. Sustainable industrial practices, clean energy transitions and environmentally conscious infrastructure development are now firmly embedded in the collective agenda. This alignment between economic ambition and environmental stewardship is essential for long-term regional resilience.

India’s approach to connectivity has consistently been guided by principles of transparency, inclusivity and respect for sovereignty. Rather than creating dependencies, India’s initiatives aim to empower partner nations by enhancing access to markets and facilitating the seamless movement of goods, services and people. The Tianjin Summit reinforced the relevance of this approach and positioned India as a credible and trusted partner in shaping the region’s connectivity architecture.

From my perspective as Chairman of the National Part of the SCO Business Council Secretariat, Republic of India, the outcomes of the Tianjin Summit strongly reinforce India’s role as a key architect in facilitating connectivity for the promotion of trade and commerce among partner nations. Beyond physical infrastructure, this role also extends to nurturing responsible innovation, strengthening institutional linkages and promoting sustainable development models that are economically viable and socially inclusive.

The SCO Business Council has a particularly important role to play in translating strategic visions into practical outcomes. As governments set the direction, it is businesses, entrepreneurs and industry leaders who operationalise cooperation on the ground. The Tianjin roadmap provides clarity and confidence to the business community, encouraging cross-border investments, technology partnerships and joint ventures in priority sectors such as digital services, logistics, green manufacturing and smart infrastructure.

In this context, it is worth recalling that many of these themes were deliberated upon earlier at the 22nd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Governments (Prime Ministers) of the SCO Member States, held in Kyrgyzstan. During that meeting, I had the opportunity to highlight key elements of the connectivity, trade and innovation agenda, in the presence of Hon’ble External Affairs Minister of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar. His leadership and diplomatic clarity have consistently strengthened India’s engagement within the SCO, ensuring that our national priorities align seamlessly with broader regional objectives.

Looking ahead, the true measure of the Tianjin Summit’s success will lie in implementation. Strategies and declarations acquire meaning only when they translate into tangible benefits for businesses, communities and citizens. The next decade presents an opportunity for SCO member states to demonstrate that multipolar cooperation can deliver growth, stability and innovation without compromising sovereignty or sustainability.

In conclusion, the 2025 Tianjin SCO Summit marks a pivotal step in reimagining Eurasian cooperation for the 21st century. It offers a shared vision of a region that is connected, technologically empowered and environmentally responsible. As stakeholders across governments, businesses and civil society work together to realise this vision, the SCO stands poised to emerge not just as a regional organisation, but as a model of constructive multipolar collaboration in an increasingly complex world.

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Who is T.S. Darbari?