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Why is it in News
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is in the news as China gears up to host the 25th SCO Heads of State Council Summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1, 2025. World leaders, including those from India, Russia, China, Iran, and more than 20 countries, will attend, with a focus on the theme “Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move.”
The summit aims to tackle regional security, sustainable development, and Eurasian cooperation in a rapidly shifting global order. This major gathering puts SCO at the heart of global current affairs and is vital study material for competitive exams.
About Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
SCO is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance established in 2001, tracing its roots to the “Shanghai Five” group of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. The grouping expanded over time, now comprising ten full members:
- China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus.
- Observer states now include Mongolia and Afghanistan, with 14 dialogue partners covering Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
The SCO covers around 24% of the world’s land and 40% of its population, making it a mega-bloc in geopolitics and trade. Its headquarters are in Beijing, and its core values are called the Shanghai Spirit, which emphasizes mutual trust, respect, equality, and cooperation.
Geographical Aspects
- Massive Coverage: The SCO region includes diverse geography, from East Asia (China) and South Asia (India, Pakistan) to Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan) and West Asia (Iran, Belarus).
- Strategic Corridors: The member states are connected via the ancient Silk Road, rich in mineral, energy, and agricultural resources.
- Population & GDP: Hosts approximately 42% of world population and nearly a quarter of global GDP.
- Headquarters: Located in Beijing, China.
FAQs
Q1: What is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)?
A1: SCO is a Eurasian political, economic, and security organization founded in 2001 and now consists of ten member countries.
Q2: Which country is hosting the SCO Summit 2025?
A2: China is hosting the 2025 SCO Summit in Tianjin, with the theme “Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move”.
Q3: Who are the latest new members of the SCO?
A3: Iran joined as a full member in 2023 and Belarus joined in 2024, expanding the bloc to ten.
Q4: What is the significance of the SCO for India?
A4: SCO offers India a platform for security cooperation, connectivity, regional diplomacy, and counter-terrorism with Eurasian economies.
