History of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO): A Complete Overview

 
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is one of the most influential intergovernmental bodies in Eurasia, bringing together major powers and Central Asian nations for cooperation in security, politics, economics, and culture. For aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Defence, or Banking exams, the SCO is a high-priority topic under International Relations and Current Affairs.

This article traces the origin, expansion, key milestones, challenges, and India’s role in the SCO, while also explaining why it’s relevant for government exams.


Origins: The Shanghai Five (1996–2001)

The SCO’s foundation can be traced back to the mid-1990s, when newly independent Central Asian states—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan—faced serious border and security challenges after the dissolution of the Soviet Union (1991).

To stabilize the region, these nations partnered with China and Russia, forming the Shanghai Five in 1996.

1996 Treaty (Shanghai): Treaty on Deepening Military Trust in Border Regions.

1997 Treaty (Moscow): Treaty on Reduction of Military Forces in Border Regions.


The group’s early focus was on resolving border disputes, reducing military tensions, and fighting the “Three Evils” – terrorism, separatism, and extremism. These meetings laid the foundation for a broader regional organization.


Formation of the SCO (2001)

On June 15, 2001, the Shanghai Five expanded and officially transformed into the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Uzbekistan joined as the sixth member.

Key developments:

2001 Declaration on the Establishment of SCO – emphasized friendship, security, and cooperation.

2002 SCO Charter (St. Petersburg Summit) – formalized principles like sovereignty, non-interference, and consensus-based decisions.

2004: Establishment of Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent, focusing on counter-terrorism and intelligence sharing.


Expansion and Evolution (2001–2017)

Over the next decade and a half, the SCO evolved into a strategic and economic platform.

2005 Astana Summit: Called for the U.S. to set a withdrawal timeline from Central Asia; India, Pakistan, and Iran gained observer status.

2009 Yekaterinburg Summit: Recognized Mongolia, India, Pakistan, and Iran as observers; Sri Lanka and Belarus became dialogue partners.

2010–2015: Strengthened counter-terrorism cooperation through joint military drills (e.g., Peace Mission series).


Historic Expansion (2017, Astana Summit):
India and Pakistan were admitted as full members, increasing the SCO to eight members. This widened its scope but also introduced challenges due to Indo-Pak and Sino-Indian tensions.

Recent Developments (2017–2025)

The SCO has continued to expand its role in global diplomacy, regional security, and economic cooperation.

India’s Presidency (2023):

Hosted a virtual summit.

Promoted the SECURE framework (Security, Economic cooperation, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for sovereignty, Environmental protection).

Launched the SCO Startup Forum, promoted digital inclusion and traditional medicine.


Membership Growth:

Iran joined in 2023.

Belarus joined in 2024.

Current membership: 10 countries.


2024 Astana Summit: Adopted the Astana Declaration, focusing on climate change, counter-terrorism, and regional connectivity. Also approved the SCO Development Strategy 2035.

2025 Tianjin Summit: (Aug 13–14, 2025) – emphasized a multipolar world order. Discussions included trade, terrorism, and climate challenges. India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India’s strong stand against cross-border terrorism.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its achievements, the SCO faces several challenges:

India–Pakistan Rivalry: Limits consensus and trust.

India–China Differences: Especially over the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which India opposes.

China’s Dominance: Seen by many as Beijing’s strategic tool.

Consensus Model: Decision-making is slow, often reducing the body’s effectiveness.

Identity Crisis: Strong focus on security, but weaker progress in cultural and economic cooperation.


Why SCO Matters for Indian Exam Aspirants

For UPSC and other competitive exams, the SCO is crucial because of India’s participation and the group’s strategic weight in Eurasia.

Key areas to prepare:

1. Foundational Milestones – Shanghai Five, formation (2001), SCO Charter, RATS.


2. India’s Role – SECURE framework, counter-terrorism initiatives, economic and digital platforms.


3. Summits & Declarations – Astana (2017, 2024), Tianjin (2025).


4. Geopolitical Relevance – India’s balancing act vis-à-vis China and Pakistan, opposition to BRI.



Recommended sources: The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB, and official SCO documents.


Conclusion

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has grown from a border-management group in 1996 to a 10-member regional powerhouse today. It plays a vital role in regional security, economic integration, and diplomacy.

For India, the SCO is both a platform of opportunity and a challenge, given its tensions with China and Pakistan. For aspirants, mastering SCO’s history, evolution, and India’s strategies is essential for tackling International Relations and Current Affairs questions in exams.

👉 Remember: In exams, focus on origin, key summits, India’s initiatives, expansion, and challenges.


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