PM Modi to Attend 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, highlighting India's commitment to regional cooperation.
Source: GNews India ForeignPrime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. This high-level meeting brings together leaders from SCO member states to discuss regional security, economic cooperation, and cultural ties. India became a full member of the SCO in 2017, alongside Pakistan, expanding the organisation's geographical reach and influence. The SCO summit provides a crucial platform for India to engage with Central Asian nations, Russia, and China on various strategic issues. Discussions at the 26th SCO Summit are expected to focus on counter-terrorism efforts, trade facilitation, and connectivity projects within the SCO region. PM Modi's attendance underscores India's active role in multilateral forums and its 'Connect Central Asia' policy.
This event is important for competitive exams, especially for UPSC GS Paper II (International Relations) and SSC General Awareness. Aspirants should understand the SCO's structure, objectives, and India's role within it. Questions often cover the founding year, member countries, and the significance of such regional groupings for India's foreign policy and economic interests. The summit's outcomes can influence regional stability and trade dynamics, making it a relevant topic for current affairs.
- PM Modi will attend the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
- India became a full member of the SCO in 2017.
- The SCO was founded in 2001 in Shanghai, China.
- The current SCO members include 9 countries: China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran.
- Iran officially joined the SCO as a full member in July 2023.
- The SCO Secretariat is located in Beijing, China.
The SCO is a Eurasian political, economic, and security organisation. It was founded in 2001 by China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Its main goals are to strengthen mutual trust, promote effective cooperation in politics, trade, economy, research, technology, and culture, and ensure regional peace and stability. India and Pakistan joined as full members in 2017, and Iran in 2023.
Bishkek is the capital and largest city of Kyrgyzstan, a country in Central Asia. It is a major political, economic, and cultural center of the country. The city is located near the Tian Shan mountain range and serves as a key hub for regional connectivity and international diplomacy, often hosting significant summits like the SCO.
India's 'Connect Central Asia Policy' was launched in 2012. Its aim is to enhance India's political, economic, security, and cultural ties with the five Central Asian republics: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. This policy focuses on improving connectivity, trade, investment, and people-to-people contact to foster mutual growth and stability.
UPSC often asks about the year of establishment, member countries, and the significance of India's membership in international organisations like SCO. SSC exams may focus on the headquarters or the number of member states.
Remember SCO members with 'CRITIK UP' (China, Russia, India, Tajikistan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)?
The primary purpose of the SCO is to strengthen mutual trust and good-neighborliness among member states. It aims to promote effective cooperation in politics, trade, economy, research, technology, culture, education, energy, transport, tourism, and environmental protection. A key focus is also on ensuring peace, security, and stability in the region.
When did India become a full member of the SCO?
India became a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in 2017. This membership was granted at the Astana Summit in Kazakhstan. India's inclusion significantly expanded the SCO's geographical and demographic reach, bringing in one of the world's largest economies and populations.
Which countries are the founding members of the SCO?
The founding members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) are China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. These six nations established the organisation in 2001, building upon the 'Shanghai Five' mechanism that was formed in 1996 to address border security issues.