2025 SCO Summit Outcomes And Developments

The 24th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit convened in Astana, Kazakhstan, marked a significant milestone with Belarus’s full membership, joining China, Russia, India, and other member states. The summit saw the endorsement of crucial initiatives including a program to counter terrorism, separatism, and extremism for 2025-2027, an anti-drug strategy for 2024-2029, and the SCO Development Strategy until 2035. Member states also supported the initiative 'On World Unity for a Just Peace, Harmony and Development.' Furthermore, Varanasi (Kashi) was designated as the first tourism and cultural capital of the SCO. The SCO, established in 2001, focuses on regional security and cooperation, particularly against terrorism, separatism, and extremism, headquartered in Beijing, China.

The Astana Summit and the Evolving Landscape of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

The year 2025 witnessed the 24th summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. This summit was particularly noteworthy for several reasons, most prominently the formal admission of Belarus as a full member. This expansion of the SCO’s membership, along with the adoption of new strategic initiatives, signals the continuing evolution of the organization and its growing significance in the Eurasian geopolitical landscape. Understanding the outcomes of this summit requires a deep dive into the SCO's history, its current objectives, and the implications of its expansion and strategic decisions.

The Genesis of the SCO: From Shanghai Five to a Regional Powerhouse

The SCO did not emerge overnight. Its roots lie in the 'Shanghai Five' mechanism, established in 1996. This initial grouping comprised China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. The primary focus of the Shanghai Five was to address border disputes and enhance military cooperation among the member states. This was a direct response to the security challenges that arose in the post-Soviet era, particularly the rise of separatist movements and cross-border terrorism in Central Asia.

The Shanghai Five's success in resolving border issues and building trust laid the foundation for a more ambitious organization. In 2001, Uzbekistan joined the group, and the organization was officially renamed the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. This expansion reflected a broader vision: to create a regional security alliance and foster economic cooperation among its members. The SCO's founding charter, signed in 2002, outlined the organization's core principles, including non-interference in internal affairs, mutual respect for sovereignty, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

The SCO’s early years were marked by a focus on counter-terrorism. The member states recognized the threat posed by groups like the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) and other extremist organizations operating in Central Asia. The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), established in 2004, became a key mechanism for coordinating counter-terrorism efforts, including information sharing, joint military exercises, and coordinated operations. These early initiatives demonstrated the SCO's commitment to addressing shared security concerns.

SCO’s Expansion and Membership Dynamics

The expansion of the SCO has been a gradual but significant process. India and Pakistan were granted full membership in 2017, marking a major shift in the organization’s geopolitical footprint. This expansion brought two major South Asian powers into the fold, further broadening the SCO's reach and influence. The inclusion of India was particularly significant, given its strategic importance and its growing interest in Central Asia. India's membership has provided the SCO with an important link to South Asia, and the country views the SCO as a platform for enhancing its security and economic ties with the region.

The recent addition of Belarus as a full member in 2025 is another significant step. Belarus's location in Eastern Europe adds a new dimension to the SCO's geographical scope, extending its influence further west. Belarus has long sought closer ties with Russia and China, and its membership in the SCO reflects this strategic alignment. Belarus's inclusion is likely to further solidify the SCO's position as a counterweight to Western-led institutions and a platform for promoting a multipolar world order.

The SCO also has observer states, which include countries like Afghanistan, Iran, and Mongolia. Observer status provides a pathway for countries to engage with the SCO and potentially seek full membership. The presence of observer states allows the SCO to engage with a broader range of countries and address regional challenges more comprehensively.

Key Outcomes of the Astana Summit

The Astana summit in 2025 yielded several crucial outcomes that will shape the SCO's future direction. The most notable was the formal admission of Belarus as a full member. This expansion enhances the SCO’s geographic reach and strengthens its position as a significant regional bloc.

The summit also endorsed several key initiatives, reflecting the organization's commitment to addressing pressing regional challenges. These include:

• Cooperation Program to Counter Terrorism, Separatism, and Extremism for 2025-2027: This program underscores the SCO's core focus on combating terrorism, a persistent threat in Central Asia and beyond. It is expected to involve enhanced intelligence sharing, joint military exercises, and coordinated law enforcement operations. The program is vital for maintaining regional stability and preventing the spread of extremist ideologies.
• Anti-Drug Strategy for 2024-2029: Drug trafficking is a significant problem in Central Asia, with Afghanistan being a major source of illicit drugs. This strategy aims to coordinate efforts to combat drug trafficking, disrupt drug networks, and address the associated social and economic consequences.
• SCO Development Strategy until 2035: This long-term plan outlines the SCO's goals for economic and social development within the member states. It is likely to focus on areas such as infrastructure development, trade facilitation, and investment promotion. The strategy reflects the SCO's commitment to fostering economic cooperation and improving the living standards of its member states.
• Initiative ‘On World Unity for a Just Peace, Harmony and Development’: This initiative reflects the SCO’s broader goals of promoting peace, cooperation, and equitable development among member states and potentially beyond. It is a declaration or program aimed at promoting peace, cooperation, and equitable development among SCO member states and potentially beyond. This initiative underscores the SCO's ambition to play a role in global affairs and promote a more just and equitable world order.
• Designation of Varanasi (Kashi) as the first SCO tourism and cultural capital: This decision highlights the SCO's commitment to cultural exchange and tourism promotion. Varanasi, one of India's oldest cities, is a significant cultural and religious center. This designation is expected to boost tourism and cultural exchange between SCO member states.

The Role of Key Actors

The SCO involves a complex interplay of interests and strategies among its member states. Several key actors play crucial roles:

• India: India joined the SCO in 2017 and views the organization as a platform for enhancing its security and economic ties with Central Asia and beyond. India is particularly interested in countering terrorism, enhancing connectivity with Central Asia through initiatives like the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC), and promoting its economic interests in the region. India actively participates in SCO summits, military exercises, and joint initiatives.
• China: China is a key driver of the SCO and provides significant financial and political support to the organization. China views the SCO as a platform for promoting regional stability, countering terrorism, and advancing its economic and strategic interests, including its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China hosts the SCO headquarters in Beijing and actively participates in all SCO activities.
• Russia: Russia views the SCO as a crucial tool for maintaining stability in Central Asia, countering Western influence, and enhancing its strategic partnership with China. Russia actively participates in SCO activities, including military exercises and joint counter-terrorism operations. Russia's strong military presence in Central Asia makes it a key player in regional security.
• Pakistan: Pakistan joined the SCO in 2017 and sees the organization as a platform for regional cooperation and security. Pakistan is particularly interested in countering terrorism, enhancing its regional standing, and promoting its economic interests. Pakistan participates in SCO summits and joint initiatives.
• Belarus: Belarus's full membership is a recent development that is expected to further solidify the SCO's position as a counterweight to Western-led institutions and a platform for promoting a multipolar world order. Belarus has long sought closer ties with Russia and China, and its membership in the SCO reflects this strategic alignment.

Legal and Institutional Frameworks

The SCO operates within a well-defined legal framework. The SCO Charter, adopted in 2002, defines the organization's objectives, principles, and structure. The charter outlines the organization's commitment to non-interference, mutual respect, and cooperation. The charter provides the legal basis for the SCO's activities, including summits and the adoption of new strategies. The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is a permanent body within the SCO focused on countering terrorism, separatism, and extremism. RATS facilitates information sharing, joint training exercises, and coordinated operations against terrorist groups.

Historical Precedents and Broader Implications

The SCO’s evolution and expansion can be seen in the context of broader geopolitical trends. The expansion of NATO, viewed by Russia and China as a threat to their security interests, has influenced the SCO’s development. The SCO’s expansion, particularly with the inclusion of new members, can be seen as a response to NATO's expansion and a move towards a multipolar world order.

The SCO's decisions have far-reaching implications:

• Political: Reinforces the trend towards a multipolar world order, with the SCO as a counterweight to Western-led institutions.
• Diplomatic: Strengthens India's diplomatic ties with Central Asian countries, Russia, and China.
• Security: Enhances regional cooperation in combating terrorism and other security threats.
• Economic: Promotes economic cooperation and connectivity within the region.
• Social: Promotes cultural exchange and tourism, as evidenced by Varanasi's designation.

Connections to Ongoing Issues

The SCO's activities are closely linked to ongoing issues in the region:

• Connectivity: India's efforts to enhance connectivity with Central Asia through initiatives like the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) are crucial.
• Terrorism: The ongoing fight against terrorism and extremism in the region remains a primary concern.
• BRI: China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its impact on regional geopolitics are significant.
• Russia-China Partnership: The evolving dynamics of the Russia-China partnership and its implications for the global order are constantly evolving.

Future Outlook

The SCO is likely to continue expanding its membership and influence. India is expected to play an increasingly active role in the organization, focusing on regional security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange. The SCO's effectiveness will depend on the ability of its member states to overcome internal differences and cooperate on key issues. The long-term success of the SCO will depend on its ability to adapt to changing geopolitical realities and address the evolving security and economic challenges facing its member states.