26th SCO Summit in Bishkek: 25 Years of Eurasian Cooperation

Why in News?

Kyrgyzstan hosted the 26th SCO Summit from 31 August to 1 September 2026. World leaders gathered at the Yrys Ordo Congress Hall in Bishkek for the Council of Heads of State meeting.

The summit marked the 25th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), established in 2001. Leaders of all 10 member states, observer nations, and dialogue partners attended the historic event.

Summit Overview and Leadership Handover

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov chaired the high-level proceedings. At the end of the summit, Kyrgyzstan transferred the rotating SCO chairmanship to Pakistan for the 2026–2027 cycle.

Evolution and Membership of the SCO

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation began in 1996 as the Shanghai Five grouping. The initial members included China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. The bloc transformed into the SCO in Shanghai in 2001 after admitting Uzbekistan.

The organisation expanded steadily across Eurasia over the past decade.

Key Outcomes and the Bishkek Declaration

The 26th SCO Summit concluded with the signing of the Bishkek Declaration. Member states approved more than 20 strategic decisions, policy statements, and agreements.

Major Declarations and Action Plans

• Multilateral Unity: The declaration reaffirmed regional stability and economic sovereignty.
• Terrorism Financing: The leaders called for decisive measures against terror financing and radicalisation.
• Information Security: Member nations approved an International Information Security Cooperation Plan.
• Green Corridor: The summit endorsed a roadmap for a Green Technology Corridor.

India’s Key Interventions: The SECURE Vision

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the summit and championed India’s SECURE vision. The acronym stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region.

S ➔ Security for citizens
E ➔ Economic development
C ➔ Connectivity in the region
U ➔ Unity
R ➔ Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity
E ➔ Environmental protection

• Stand on Terrorism: Prime Minister Modi called for coordinated global action against terrorism. He stated firmly that nations must reject double standards on cross-border terror.
• Regional Connectivity: India highlighted the importance of transparent connectivity projects that respect national sovereignty.
• Technological Cooperation: India offered open digital public infrastructure platforms to partner nations.

Institutional Upgrades in Security and Anti-Narcotics

The summit leaders approved major institutional upgrades to modernize the organisation’s security architecture.

26th SCO Summit: Exam-Oriented Facts for Competitive Exams

• Summit Edition: 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.
• Dates: 31 August – 1 September 2026.
• Venue: Yrys Ordo Congress Hall, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
• Host Leader: President Sadyr Japarov (Kyrgyzstan).
• Milestone Year: 25th Anniversary of the founding of the SCO (2001).
• Total Member States: 10 (India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus).
• Recent Entrants: Iran joined in 2023; Belarus joined in 2024.
• Next Rotating Chairmanship: Pakistan (assumed chairmanship for 2026–2027).
• Key Document Adopted: Bishkek Declaration.
• Vision Presented by India: SECURE (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
• Permanent Headquarters: SCO Secretariat is located in Beijing, China.
• Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS): Executive Committee based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
• New Security Bodies Approved:
  • Universal Centre for Countering Security Challenges and Threats to SCO Member States.
  • Executive Committee of the SCO Anti-Narcotics Centre.