Shanghai Cooperation Organisation: Definition, Full Form, Members-UPSC Notes

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a complete form of SCO. It's a permanent intergovernmental international organization established in 2001, comprising China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, and Pakistan. It aims to foster mutual trust and cooperation in political, economic, and security matters, promote regional peace, stability, and prosperity, and address common challenges such as terrorism, separatism, and extremism.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a topic relevant to the UPSC context under General Studies Paper II (International Relations) for UPSC mains and Paper I for UPSC prelims. It is a basic topic for aspirants to understand the dynamic aspect of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is an essential topic for UPSC Civil Services because it highlights the role of regional cooperation, security partnerships, and India's strategic engagement with Central Asia and neighbouring countries, which is frequently discussed in the exam. Join UPSC Coaching today to boost your preparation. In this article on the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation UPSC, we shall discuss its genesis, objectives, principles, challenges & importance for India.

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What Is The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation?

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a regional international organization founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is headquartered in Beijing, China. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was established to foster cooperation among its member states in security, economics, and culture. The organization has evolved, expanding its membership and scope to address the changing regional dynamics and global challenges.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation 2025

Under the context of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation 2025, it is significant to mention that Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday (June 27, 2025) said India wanted a reference to terrorism in the outcome document of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' meeting. Still, it was unacceptable to one member country, which is an oblique reference to Pakistan.

History of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

Before the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was conceptualized in 2001, an informal concept known as 'Shanghai Five' existed. In the 'Shanghai Five', China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kazakhstan were the members.

• 'Shanghai Five' resulted from the border demarcation and demilitarization between China and the other four former Soviet republics to ensure that peace, stability, and security were maintained along their respective borders.
• Finally, when Uzbekistan was also included in the 'Shanghai Five', the organisation's name was changed to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
• India and Pakistan joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in 2017.

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Evolution & Expansion Of SCO

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An Overview of SCO

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has a well-defined structure to facilitate its operations and decision-making processes. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's structure ensures effective collaboration among member states.

• SCO was formed on 15th June 2001.
• SCO full form – Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
• SCO – An intergovernmental regional organization
• SCO members – China, India, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Belarus.
• SCO headquarters – Located in Beijing, China.

Objectives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation had clear objectives to guide its activities and priorities. These objectives reflect the common interests and aspirations of the member states, as well as the organization's broader vision for regional cooperation and development.

• Strengthening mutual trust and good-neighbourly relations among the member states.
• Promoting practical cooperation in political, security, economic, cultural, and other fields.
• Jointly ensuring regional peace, security, and stability.
• Establishing a new, democratic, just, and rational international political and economic order.

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Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

The SCO has two permanent bodies: the Secretariat in Beijing and the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The SCO maintains active partnerships with major regional and international bodies, including the UN, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and ASEAN.

• The Council of Heads of State: The supreme decision-making body, which meets annually
• The Council of Heads of Government: Responsible for discussing and resolving economic and other cooperation issues
• The Council of Foreign Ministers: Coordinates the foreign policy activities of the member states
• The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure: Responsible for combating terrorism, extremism, and separatism in the region
• This multi-layered structure allows the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to address a wide range of regional and global challenges while ensuring that its member states' diverse interests are represented and accommodated.

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Members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has a diverse membership, with various countries participating in the organization in different capacities. This includes full member states, observer states, and dialogue partners with unique contributions and perspectives.

• Member states: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, and Pakistan
• Observer states: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia
• Dialogue partners: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Turkey

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has also expanded its engagement with other countries and organizations, including establishing observer and dialogue partner statuses.

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Conflicts among the Member Countries

Despite the common objectives and shared vision of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, there have been tensions and conflicts among the member countries. These conflicts can arise from various factors, such as historical grievances, geopolitical rivalries, and divergent national interests.

• Border disputes between India and China, as well as between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
• Differences in economic and developmental priorities among the member states
• Concerns over the potential dominance of China and Russia within the organization

These conflicts could undermine the cohesion and effectiveness of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and require careful management and diplomacy to resolve.

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Significance of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has emerged as a significant regional organization. It has a growing influence and relevance in the geopolitical landscape of Eurasia. Its significance can be attributed to its role in promoting regional cooperation, countering Western-led institutions, and shaping the region's dynamics.

• It represents a central regional platform for addressing Eurasia's security, economic, and cultural cooperation.
• It serves as a counterweight to Western-led organizations, providing an alternative model of regional integration.
• It has the potential to play a role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the region and beyond.
• It allows member states to coordinate their policies and pursue common interests.

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SCO and India

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation SCO is a Eurasian intergovernmental organization founded in 2001. India became a full member in 2017. Here's a breakdown of the key points regarding India's relationship with the SCO:

Significance of the SCO for India

SCO is the world's largest regional organization in terms of geographic scope and population, covering approximately 24% of the world (65% of Eurasia) and 42% of the world population. As of 2024, its combined nominal GDP accounts for around 23%, while its GDP based on PPP comprises approximately 36% of the world's total.

• India's security, geopolitical, strategic and economic interests are closely intertwined with regional developments.
• The Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) of SCO deals explicitly with issues relating to security and defence.
• The Central Asian region is richly endowed with natural resources and vital minerals.
• SCO provides a platform for India's efforts to connect with Central Asia.
• Stable Afghanistan is in India's interest.
• SCO is a platform which can play an important role in Afghanistan.

India's Contributions

• India is a consistent member country that participates in SCO's counter-terrorism activities and shares expertise in combating terrorism and extremism.
• India promotes economic and technological cooperation with other SCO members through initiatives like setting up Special Economic Zones and sharing technical knowledge.
• India actively takes part in cultural events and programs organized by the SCO. It fosters cultural exchange and people-to-people ties with other member states.

Challenges for India

• The dominance of China and Russia within the SCO can limit India's influence and ability to shape the organization's agenda.
• India's concerns about terrorism emanating from Pakistan might not be fully addressed due to Pakistan's presence in the SCO.
• Despite SCO's goals, achieving substantial economic integration among member states remains challenging.

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Challenges Faced by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

SCO faced different challenges over the years which can impede its ability to achieve its stated objectives and maintain its relevance in the evolving regional and global landscape. Overcoming these challenges will be crucial for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to continue its role as a meaningful platform for regional cooperation and stability. These challenges require concerted efforts and adaptability from the member states to overcome.

• Managing the conflicting interests and priorities of its diverse member states
• Addressing the security threats posed by terrorism, extremism, and separatism in the region
• Ensuring the effective implementation of its economic and developmental initiatives
• Navigating the geopolitical tensions and power dynamics in the region

Overcoming these challenges will be crucial for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to continue its role as a meaningful platform for regional cooperation and stability.

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Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summits

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a Eurasian political, economic, international security and defence organization of ten member states. It was established in 2001 by the People's Republic of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. In June 2017, it expanded to eight states, with India and Pakistan. Iran joined the group in July 2023, and Belarus in July 2024. Several countries are engaged as observers or dialogue partners.

• The most recent summit of SCO recently happened on June 26, 2025.
• The SCO Tianjin Summit 2025 is the 25th Heads of State Council meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
• This was held in the autumn of 2025 in Tianjin, People's Republic of China.
• This is the fifth time that China has hosted the annual SCO summit.

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