As India gears up to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in a virtual format, it is essential to reflect on New Delhi’s relationship with the group since its inception. India joined the SCO as an observer country in 2005 and became a full member in 2017 during the Astana Summit, marking a significant milestone in its association with the organization. Over the last six years, India has actively participated in all SCO operations, assuming the chairmanship of the SCO at the Samarkand Summit in September 2022.
During India’s presidency, the SCO witnessed remarkable advancements in engagement and cooperation across various sectors. Under the theme of India’s chairmanship, “SCO-SECURE,” derived from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s acronym coined at the 2018 SCO Qingdao Summit, the country focused on Security, Economic development, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and Environmental protection.
India introduced five new pillars and areas of cooperation within the SCO, including Startups and Innovation, Traditional Medicine, Digital Inclusion, Youth Empowerment, and Shared Buddhist Heritage. Initiatives like the Special Working Group on Startups and Innovation and the Experts Working Group on Traditional Medicine were established at India’s initiative.
The goal of promoting people-to-people connections aligned with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of Vasudhaiv Kutumbakom (World is One Family). A series of events, including cultural showcases, conferences, and festivals, were held under the Indian chair of SCO to deepen these connections.
Youth Empowerment was another focal point during India’s chairmanship, with several events geared towards empowering the youth and fostering research activities. Additionally, India celebrated Kashi/Varanasi as the 1st SCO Tourist and Cultural Capital of SCO 2022-23.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the SCO Council of Heads of State in a virtual format on July 4, 2023. The SCO Member States and several observer and guest states, along with international and regional organizations, have been invited to attend the summit. India’s chairmanship of the SCO has witnessed extensive cooperation and activity among Member States, with a commitment to playing a positive and constructive role within the organization until September 2023.
