Why in news?

• PM Modi attended the 25th SCO Summit in Tianjin, China, where discussions focused on global governance reform, counter-terrorism, peace and security, economic cooperation, and sustainable development.
• Established in 2001 by founding members China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) now has 10 member states, two observer states and 15 dialogue partners from Asia, Europe and Africa.
  • Laos was granted the partner status during 2025 summit.
• In 2017, at Astana, India and Pakistan officially joined SCO as full members.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Key Documents Signed at the 2025 SCO Summit in Tianjin
• SCO Tianjin Declaration: Pahalgam Attack Mentioned
• Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Speech at 2025 SCO Summit in Tianjin

Key Documents Signed at the 2025 SCO Summit in Tianjin

• At the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO in Tianjin, 20 significant documents were signed, shaping the future agenda of the grouping.
• Strategic Declarations and Resolutions
  • Tianjin Declaration adopted as the central political outcome.
  • A Development Strategy for 2026–2035 was approved, outlining long-term priorities and direction for the SCO’s growth in the next decade.
  • Cooperation Programme (2026–2030) to counter extremist ideology within SCO space.
  • Roadmap for SCO Energy Cooperation until 2030.
  • SCO granted observer status within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
  • Cholpon Ata (Kyrgyz Republic) declared SCO tourist and cultural capital for 2025–2026.
• Institutional Strengthening
  • Four new SCO centers were inaugurated with dedicated roles:
    • Countering security threats and challenges.
    • Tackling transnational organized crime.
    • Enhancing information and cybersecurity.
    • Strengthening anti-drug cooperation.
  • Decision taken to establish an SCO Development Bank, aimed at boosting infrastructure development, economic progress, and social cooperation among member states.
• Expanded Cooperation Platforms
  • The summit announced initiatives to create new SCO platforms and centers in the fields of:
    • Energy and sustainable growth.
    • Green industry and climate-friendly practices.
    • Digital economy and cybersecurity.
    • Artificial intelligence, tech innovation, and higher education.
    • Vocational and technical education for workforce development.
• Structural Reforms and Expansion
  • Major breakthrough in structural reforms: observer states and dialogue partners were merged into a single category of SCO partners.
  • Laos was granted partner status, expanding the SCO into a 27-nation family (10 members and 17 partners).

SCO Tianjin Declaration: Pahalgam Attack Mentioned

• The declaration explicitly condemned the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack in India, which killed 26 people.
• Condolences were expressed to victims’ families, with a call to bring perpetrators and sponsors to justice.
• Other incidents, such as the Jaffer Express hijacking (March) and Khuzdar school bus bombing (May) in Pakistan, were also condemned.
• Departure from Defence Ministers’ Meet
  • At the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao (June 2025), Pahalgam was omitted from the draft statement due to Pakistan’s opposition.
  • India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh refused to sign the statement then, insisting terrorism concerns must be included.
  • Three months later, the leaders’ summit corrected this omission, explicitly mentioning Pahalgam and cross-border terrorism.
• Changing India-China Dynamics
  • Relations between India and China showed signs of thaw, with PM Modi’s first China visit in seven years to meet President Xi Jinping.
  • The Tianjin declaration is seen as a signal of Beijing’s willingness to strengthen ties with New Delhi amid US tariff pressures.
  • Despite the shift, the declaration did not name Pakistan for sponsoring terrorism.
  • For India, the mention of Pahalgam is progress, but trust-building with Beijing requires much more.

Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Speech at 2025 SCO Summit in Tianjin

• In his address, PM Modi outlined India’s SCO vision under three pillars – Security, Connectivity and Opportunity.
• He stressed that peace and stability are essential for prosperity and called for firm, coordinated action against terrorism, radicalisation, and terror financing, while rejecting double standards.
• He thanked member states for their solidarity after the Pahalgam terror attack and urged accountability for countries supporting cross-border terrorism.
• On connectivity, he reaffirmed India’s strong backing for projects like the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor, and highlighted opportunities in startups, innovation, youth empowerment, and cultural exchange.
• He also proposed establishing a Civilizational Dialogue Forum under SCO to deepen people-to-people ties.
• Supporting SCO’s reform agenda, PM Modi welcomed new initiatives to counter organised crime, drug trafficking, and cyber threats.
• He and urged a similar approach for reforming global institutions, including the United Nations, to make them more representative and effective.