Tianjin, September 1: The 25th summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) commenced on Monday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined other heads of state in a day-long session to chart the bloc’s future course.
Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed the leaders, noting the organisation’s growing responsibilities. “The SCO bears greater responsibilities in safeguarding regional peace and stability, and boosting the development of various countries in a world of increasing uncertainties and accelerated changes,” Xi said during a banquet on Sunday night that formally opened the summit.
He expressed confidence that the gathering would succeed through the concerted efforts of all parties. “The SCO is certain to play an even bigger role and achieve more progress. It will make a greater contribution to boosting the unity and cooperation among member states, pooling the strength of the Global South, and pushing for more progress of human civilisation,” Xi added.
The banquet drew top leaders, including Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. China, which holds the SCO presidency this year, has invited 20 foreign leaders and 10 heads of international organisations, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, to participate in the SCO Plus summit, making it the largest gathering in the organisation’s history.
On Monday, leaders will address the summit to outline their vision for the SCO’s future. Modi’s remarks are being closely watched against the backdrop of the ongoing US tariff war and his bilateral meeting with Xi on Sunday, which was widely expected to pave a new roadmap for India-China ties.
Founded in Shanghai in June 2001, the SCO began with six member states and has since grown into a 26-nation network comprising 10 members, two observers, and 14 dialogue partners across Asia, Europe, and Africa. With major emerging markets and developing nations such as China, Russia, and India among its members, the SCO represents nearly half of the world’s population and roughly a quarter of the global economy.
