Senior officials from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation are convening in Kyrgyzstan’s capital for a two-day summit beginning Monday under the theme of sustainable peace, development, and prosperity. The gathering includes Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, marking the 25th anniversary of the SCO’s founding. Additional attendees include leaders from Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, and Kazakhstan, alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The summit occurs against a backdrop of significant global instability, including the aftermath of US-Israel military operations targeting Iran and the continuing conflict in Ukraine. These developments have disrupted international energy and financial markets, prompting discussions about the effectiveness of the existing global rules-based order. Experts suggest the gathering provides an opportunity for rising powers, particularly China and India, to strengthen their influence within the Global South and explore alternatives to US-led international frameworks.
Analysts indicate that China may use the summit to position itself as an advocate for peaceful conflict resolution, contrasting its approach with current US foreign policy. The grouping’s expansion over decades—from its origins as the Shanghai Five in 1996 to its current membership spanning multiple continents—reflects its evolution from a regional security mechanism to a broader platform addressing trade, development, and geopolitical concerns.
The SCO’s member states collectively represent 43 percent of the global population and approximately one-quarter of worldwide economic output. However, observers note that the organisation functions less as a unified anti-Western bloc and more as a forum where nations with divergent interests can demonstrate alternative strategic options. Key discussion topics are expected to include regional conflicts in the Middle East and Europe, Afghanistan’s economic situation, and ongoing India-China relations, particularly following warming ties between New Delhi and Beijing over the past year.
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