Bishkek Declaration: 26th SCO Summit
Bishkek Declaration: 26th SCO Summit
Why in News?
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) adopted the Bishkek Declaration at its 26th Summit, held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from 31 August–1 September 2026. The summit also marked 25 years of the SCO.
About SCO
|
Aspect |
Details |
|
Nature |
Eurasian political, economic and security organisation |
|
Members |
10: China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan |
|
India |
Full member since 2017 |
|
Core focus |
Security, economic cooperation, connectivity and cultural exchanges |
|
Security concerns |
Terrorism, separatism and extremism — the “three evils” |
Key Elements of Bishkek Declaration
Terrorism and Security
- Condemned terrorism in all forms and rejected double standards in counter-terrorism.
- Called for action against terrorist financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens.
- Emphasised implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
- Rejected attempts to use terrorist, separatist or extremist groups for political purposes.
Cyber and Information Security
- Strengthening cooperation against misuse of the internet for terrorism, extremism and separatism.
- Greater coordination on information security and emerging forms of crime.
West Asia
- Expressed concern over the conflict and supported a political and diplomatic resolution.
- Reaffirmed sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iran.
- Supported de-escalation and peaceful settlement of disputes.
Global Governance
- Called for reform and improvement of global governance institutions.
- Rejected bloc-based confrontation and advocated peaceful settlement of disputes.
India’s Position at the Summit
PM Modi highlighted three major concerns:
|
Theme |
India’s Position |
|
Conflict |
Conflicts have global spillovers through energy security, maritime trade and supply chains; dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward. |
|
Terrorism |
Counter-terrorism must target the entire ecosystem of financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens; no double standards. |
|
Connectivity |
India supports connectivity that promotes trade and growth, but it must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity. |
India’s SCO Vision: S-C-O
S – Security: Collective response to terrorism and emerging security threats.
C – Connectivity: Reliable connectivity while respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity.
O – Opportunity: Convert SCO cooperation into tangible economic and developmental outcomes.
India has promoted initiatives such as the SCO Start-up Forum, Young Authors’ Conclave and Young Scientists’ Forum. The first session of the SCO Civilizational Dialogue Forum is also scheduled to be held in India.
Significance for India
- Provides a platform to engage simultaneously with China, Russia, Central Asia and other regional powers.
- Strengthens India's diplomatic emphasis on zero tolerance towards terrorism.
- Promotes connectivity while reinforcing India's opposition to projects that disregard sovereignty.
- Creates space for cooperation on energy security, trade, technology and regional stability.
- Supports India's wider Central Asia outreach
