Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is Eurasian political, economic, international security and defence organization established by China and Russia in 2001.
- SCO is the successor to the Shanghai Five, formed in 1996 between the China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgizstan, Russia and Tajikistan.
- As August 2024, it has 10members.
- In June 2017, it expanded to eight states, with India and Pakistan.
- Iran joined the group in July 2023.
- Several countries are engaged as observers or dialogue partners.
Structure of SCO
As of the 4 July 2023 meeting, the Council of Heads of State consists of:
- Xi Jinping (China)
- Narendra Modi (India)
- Mohammad Mokhber (Iran)
- Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (Kazakhstan)
- Sadyr Japarov (Kyrgyzstan)
- Shehbaz Sharif (Pakistan)
- Vladimir Putin (Russia)
- Emomali Rahmon (Tajikistan)
- Shavkat Mirziyoyev (Uzbekistan)
Members
Following is the table of SCO Member Countries with Date of Joining :-
| Country | Accession started | Member since |
|---|---|---|
| China | => | 15 June 2001 |
| Kazakhstan | ||
| Kyrgyzstan | ||
| Russia | ||
| Tajikistan | ||
| Uzbekistan | ||
| India | 10 June 2015 | 9 June 2017 |
| Pakistan | ||
| Iran | 17 September 2021 | 4 July 2023 |
| Acceding members | ||
| Belarus | 16 September 2022 | 8th August, 2024 |
Observer States
There are 2 Observer States of SCO -
- Mongolia - 2004
- Afghanistan - 2012
Summits
2023
- On 4th July, 2023, India hosted virtual conference of SCO summit.
2024
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reached Astana in Kazakhstan to lead the Indian delegation at the SCO Council of Heads of State in place of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 3 and 4.
- Given that the next SCO Heads of Government meet is due to be held in Pakistan later this year, and the next SCO Summit will be hosted by China in 2025.