SCO Summit: PM Modi Attends Meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, highlighting India's role in regional security and cooperation.
Source: GNews India ForeignPrime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit held in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The summit focused on regional security, economic cooperation, and connectivity among member states. Leaders discussed various issues, including counter-terrorism efforts, trade, and cultural exchanges. India, a full member of the SCO since 2017, actively participates in its initiatives to promote stability and development in the Eurasian region. PM Modi's presence underscored India's commitment to multilateralism and its 'Connect Central Asia' policy. The SCO provides a crucial platform for India to engage with Central Asian nations, Russia, and China on matters of mutual interest, including Afghanistan's stability and energy security. The Bishkek Declaration was adopted at the end of the summit, outlining future cooperation areas for the SCO member states.
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 strategic interests within the organisation. Questions often focus on member countries, founding year, and the significance of India's membership for regional geopolitics and economic ties. The summit outcomes, like declarations, are also relevant for current affairs.
- PM Narendra Modi attended the SCO Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
- India became a full member of the SCO in 2017, along with Pakistan.
- The SCO was founded in 2001 in Shanghai, China.
- The Bishkek Declaration was adopted at the 2024 SCO Summit.
- The SCO's official languages are Russian and Chinese.
- 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. India and Pakistan joined as full members in 2017. Its main goals include strengthening mutual trust, promoting effective cooperation in politics, trade, economy, research, technology, and culture, and ensuring regional peace and security.
The Bishkek Declaration is a joint statement issued by the heads of state of the SCO member countries at their annual summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. It outlines the common positions of the member states on key international and regional issues, and sets out priorities for future cooperation within the organisation across various sectors like security, economy, and culture.
India's 'Connect Central Asia' policy, launched in 2012, aims to enhance India's political, economic, security, and cultural ties with the Central Asian Republics. It focuses on improving connectivity, trade, investment, and people-to-people contact. This policy is crucial for India's energy security and strategic interests in the region, complementing its 'Act East' policy.
UPSC often asks about the composition of international organisations, India's role, and the strategic implications of its membership. SSC exams frequently test the founding year, headquarters, and current member countries of such bodies.
To remember SCO founding members (CRKKTU): 'China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan' Think 'CRKKTU' sounds like 'Cricket Too' for a game played in Central Asia.
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, and culture. A key focus is also on ensuring peace, security, and stability in the region, particularly through counter-terrorism efforts and combating extremism.
When did India become a full member of the SCO and what is its significance?
India became a full member of the SCO in 2017, alongside Pakistan, at the Astana Summit. This membership is significant as it provides India with a crucial platform to engage with Central Asian countries, Russia, and China. It helps India address regional security challenges, enhance economic connectivity, and promote its strategic interests in Eurasia, including energy security and counter-terrorism.
Which countries are the founding members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation?
The founding members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) are China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, 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.