25th SCO summit and its outcome
The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit was held in Tianjin, China, from August 31 to September 1, 2025. The summit marked a significant milestone in the evolution of the SCO, highlighting institutional reform, regional security, economic integration, and the push towards a multipolar global order.
Summit Overview
The summit brought together leaders from the 10 member states, including China, India, Russia, Iran, and Pakistan alongside observer states and dialogue partners. Notable was the expansion of the SCO partnership category, with Laos formally accorded partner status, increasing the SCO's reach to a 27-nation family (10 members, 17 partners). The summit emphasized the core "Shanghai Spirit": mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, and respect for cultural diversity, offering an alternative model to prevailing Western-dominated institutions.
Key Documents and Declarations
- Tianjin Declaration: The summit’s central outcome document strongly condemned terrorism in all forms, explicitly referencing the Pahalgam attack, and called for coordinated action against cross-border and financed terrorism.
- SCO Development Strategy (2026–2035): A long-term roadmap for the organization, outlining priorities for regional integration, infrastructure, energy, and security cooperation.
- Cooperation Programme (2026–2030): Strategies to counter extremist ideology, foster economic collaboration, and enhance security.
Institutional Innovations
- Expansion of SCO Centers: Four new centers were inaugurated for security threats, combating organized crime, cybersecurity, and anti-drug operations, reflecting a multi-dimensional approach to new challenges.
- Energy Cooperation Platform: Introduction of a roadmap for energy ties until 2030 and focus on renewable energy and fair energy transition.
- Digital and Technological Forums: Launch of platforms for collaboration in AI, tech innovation, higher education, and vocational training.
Geopolitical Outcomes
- Global Governance Reform: India and other nations advocated for reforms in international institutions, particularly the United Nations, pressing for more representative and effective global decision-making.
- Multipolar Order: The summit highlighted the SCO’s role in shaping a multipolar world, with emphasis on sovereignty, non-interference, and resistance to unilateral coercive measures that contradict United Nations and WTO principles.
- Afghanistan, Gaza, and Iran: The summit condemned military actions in Gaza and Iran, and called for inclusive governance in Afghanistan to ensure regional stability.
India's Role and Vision
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi championed India's approach under three pillars: Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity. He advocated for decisive action against terrorism, support for strategic connectivity projects like the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor, and initiatives to promote innovation and youth empowerment. India also proposed establishing a Civilizational Dialogue Forum to encourage cultural exchange and deeper people-to-people ties.
Socio-Cultural Initiatives
The Kyrgyz city of Cholpon Ata was declared the SCO tourist and cultural capital for 2025–26. The summit endorsed continued promotion of cultural values, reaffirmed engagement against racism and xenophobia, and encouraged UN-led resolutions supporting such goals.
Conclusion
The 25th SCO Summit in Tianjin concluded with the adoption of the Tianjin Declaration and a suite of reforms and roadmaps that signal the organization’s intent to deepen regional integration, enhance security, and position itself as a pillar of a more balanced global order. The creation of new institutional platforms, energetic cooperation strategies, commitment to social values, and expanded partnerships collectively outline the next chapter in the SCO’s evolution.
