SCO Declaration: Terrorism, Security and Geopolitical Challenges

Introduction

The 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, held from August 31 to September 1, adopted the Bishkek Declaration as the grouping marked its 25th anniversary. The declaration addressed terrorism, cross-border security, West Asian conflicts, sovereignty, international law and global governance, alongside cooperation in energy, climate, disaster management, drugs, artificial intelligence and information security. For India, the summit also advanced priorities in security, connectivity, opportunity and engagement with Central Asia and the wider Eurasian region.

Key Highlights of the Bishkek Declaration

1. Counter-Terrorism and Cross-Border Movement: The declaration condemned terrorism in all forms, rejected double standards and called for international action against the cross-border movement of terrorists.
2. United Nations’ Role in Counter-Terrorism: Members called for the United Nations (UN) to play a central role in countering terrorism through relevant Security Council resolutions and its Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
3. Sovereignty and Non-Interference: The declaration reaffirmed sovereign equality and non-interference in internal affairs and rejected attempts to discredit government bodies of member states.
4. Human Rights and Double Standards: Members reaffirmed the universal obligation to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms and opposed double standards in their application.
5. Universal Security Threats Centre: Leaders agreed to establish a Universal Centre for Countering Security Threatsto strengthen cooperation against terrorism, extremism, organised crime and other transnational threats.
6. Narcotics and Drug Addiction: Members agreed to strengthen cooperation against drug trafficking and synthetic drugs and adopted a programme on combating drug addiction until 2030.
7. Information and Cyber Security: The declaration called for stronger action against the terrorist, separatist and extremist use of the internet and greater cooperation on information security and protection.
8. Energy and Climate Action: Members agreed to strengthen cooperation on energy conservation and efficiency and adopted a memorandum on combating climate change.
9. Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance: The summit adopted a statement on assistance to countries affected by emergencies to strengthen cooperation in disaster management and humanitarian assistance.
10. Artificial Intelligence Cooperation: SCO members agreed to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, including efforts to promote its responsible and inclusive use.
11. Information and Media Cooperation: Members agreed on information cooperation to promote institutional exchanges and strengthen engagement in the regional media space.

For detailed information on SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) – Significance & Challenges – Explained Pointwise read this article here

SCO’s Response to West Asian and Global Geopolitical Challenges

1. Condemnation of Strikes on Iran: SCO condemned military strikes on Iran, noting civilian casualties and economic damage while warning of risks to international peace and stability.
2. Political Solution for Iran Conflict: Members supported Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for resolving the conflict only through political and diplomatic means.
3. West Asian Peace: SCO supported a comprehensive and just settlement of the Palestinian question, treating it as essential for lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.
4. Impact of Ongoing Wars: The conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia have created energy and food security problems, global market instability and wider economic pressures.
5. Commitment to International Law: Members reaffirmed the UN Charter and international law while supporting stronger UN authority in maintaining peace, security and sustainable development.
6. Multipolar World Order: SCO supported a representative, democratic and equitable multipolar world order, while rejecting bloc-based and confrontational approaches to international disputes.
7. SCO’s Institutional Position: The grouping clarified that it is not a military-political bloc and is not directed against other states or international organisations.

India’s Priorities and Gains from the SCO Summit

1. Regional and Central Asian Engagement: The summit gives India a platform to advance security, development and connectivity while strengthening engagement with Central Asia and the wider Eurasian region.
2. India’s 25-Year Roadmap: Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a roadmap for the next 25 years, with concrete outcomes focused on security, connectivity and opportunity.
3. Youth and Scientific Cooperation: India’s initiatives on the SCO Young Scientists Forum, youth cooperation and the SCO Young Authors Conference were included in the summit outcomes.
4. Civilization Dialogue: India will host the first SCO Civilisation Dialogue Forum later in 2026, providing a platform for civilisational exchanges among member states.
5. English as SCO Language: The SCO amended its Charter to include English as an official and working language of the organisation.
6. One Earth, One Family, One Future: SCO members reaffirmed dialogue based on the idea of “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” which India had promoted during its 2023 G20 presidency.

Challenges for India within the SCO

1. Pakistan’s Cross-Border Terrorism: The declaration’s call against cross-border terrorism remains important for India because it has consistently raised concerns over terrorism originating from Pakistan.
2. Balancing Israel and Iran: India must manage its strong ties with Israel while joining an SCO declaration that condemned military strikes on Iran.
3. China-Pakistan Dynamics: India has to pursue its interests within an organisation that includes both China and Pakistan, alongside other major regional powers.
4. Pakistan’s SCO Presidency: Pakistan will assume the SCO presidency, and the next meeting of the Council of Heads of State will be held there in 2027, making India’s participation closely watched.
5. Independent Foreign Policy: India has to use the SCO platform for its security, connectivity, energy and development interests while maintaining its independent positions on major geopolitical issues.

Conclusion

The Bishkek Declaration strengthens SCO cooperation on terrorism, security, sovereignty and regional stability while responding to wider geopolitical and economic challenges. For India, the SCO remains an important platform for counter-terrorism, Central Asian engagement, connectivity, energy and development. India must also manage its complex relations with China, Pakistan, Israel and other members while pursuing its independent foreign-policy priorities.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the key outcomes of the Bishkek Declaration and their significance for India amid emerging security and geopolitical challenges.

Source: Indian Express; Newsonair