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Home / IAS Preparation / Shanghai Cooperation Organization

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation: SCO Full Form, Structure & Members

Last Updated on Jun 27, 2025
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The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a full form of SCO. It's a permanent intergovernmental international organization established in 2001, comprising China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, and Pakistan. It works with the aim of fostering mutual trust and cooperation in political, economic, and security matters, promoting regional peace, stability, and prosperity, and addressing common challenges such as terrorism, separatism, and extremism.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation UPSC is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS Examination.

In this article on the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation UPSC, we shall discuss its genesis, objectives, principles, challenges & importance for India. This will be very useful for aspirants in the UPSC Prelims Exam.

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What is Shanghai Cooperation Organisation?

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a regional international organization that was founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It is headquartered in Shanghai Cooperation Organisation headquarter Beijing, China. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was set up with the primary aim of fostering cooperation among its member states in areas such as security, economics, and culture. The organization has evolved over the years, expanding its membership and scope to address the evolving regional dynamics and global challenges.

History of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

Before the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was conceptualized in 2001, an informal concept known by the name ‘Shanghai Five’ existed. In the ‘Shanghai Five’, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kazakhstan were the members.

  • ‘Shanghai Five’ was a result of the border demarcation and demilitarization which was carried out between China and the other four former Soviet republics to ensure that peace, stability, and security is maintained along their respective borders.
  • Finally, when Uzbekistan was also included in the ‘Shanghai Five’, the name of the organization was changed to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
  • Also, India and Pakistan joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation only in 2017.
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Objectives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was set up with a clear set of objectives to guide its activities and priorities. These objectives reflect the common interests and aspirations of the member states, as well as the organization's broader vision for regional cooperation and development.

  • Strengthening mutual trust and good-neighborly relations among the member states.
  • Promoting effective cooperation in political, security, economic, cultural, and other fields.
  • Jointly ensuring regional peace, security, and stability.
  • Establishing a new, democratic, just, and rational international political and economic order.

Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has a well-defined organizational structure that facilitates decision-making, policy coordination, and the implementation of the organization's objectives. This structure comprises several key bodies and mechanisms, each with its own roles and responsibilities.

  • The Council of Heads of State: The supreme decision-making body, which meets annually
  • The Council of Heads of Government: Responsible for discussing and resolving economic and other cooperation issues
  • The Council of Foreign Ministers: Coordinates the foreign policy activities of the member states
  • The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure: Responsible for combating terrorism, extremism, and separatism in the region

This multi-layered structure allows the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to address a wide range of regional and global challenges, while also ensuring that the diverse interests of its member states are represented and accommodated.

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Members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has a diverse membership, with a range of countries participating in the organization in different capacities. This includes full member states, observer states, and dialogue partners, each with their unique contributions and perspectives.

Source: SCO Russia

  • Member states: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, and Pakistan
  • Observer states: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia
  • Dialogue partners: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Turkey

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has also expanded its engagement with other countries and organizations, including through the establishment of observer and dialogue partner statuses.

Conflicts among the Member Countries

Despite the common objectives and shared vision of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, there have been instances of tensions and conflicts among the member countries. These conflicts can arise from a variety of factors, such as historical grievances, geopolitical rivalries, and divergent national interests.

  • Border disputes between India and China, as well as between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
  • Differences in economic and developmental priorities among the member states
  • Concerns over the potential dominance of China and Russia within the organization

These conflicts have the potential to undermine the cohesion and effectiveness of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and require careful management and diplomacy to resolve.

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Significance of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has emerged as a significant regional organization. It has a growing influence and relevance in the geopolitical landscape of Eurasia. Its significance can be attributed to its role in promoting regional cooperation, serving as a counterweight to Western-led institutions, and shaping the dynamics of the region.

  • It represents a major regional platform for addressing security, economic, and cultural cooperation in Eurasia.
  • It serves as a counterweight to Western-led organizations, providing an alternative model of regional integration.
  • It has the potential to play a role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the region and beyond.
  • It offers opportunities for member states to coordinate their policies and pursue common interests.

Read the article on Asian Development Bank!

SCO and India

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation SCO is a Eurasian intergovernmental organization founded in 2001. India became a full member in 2017. Here's a breakdown of the key points regarding India's relationship with the SCO:

Significance of the SCO for India

India's membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation holds significant strategic and geopolitical implications for the country. By engaging with the organization, India can leverage its regional presence and pursue its broader foreign policy objectives.

  • It allows India to engage with its regional neighbors, including China and Pakistan, on a multilateral platform.
  • It provides India with a platform to showcase its capabilities and pursue its strategic and economic interests in the region.
  • It offers opportunities for India to collaborate with other member states on issues such as counterterrorism, connectivity, and energy cooperation.
  • It aligns with India's broader foreign policy objectives of fostering regional cooperation and strengthening its presence in Eurasia.

India's Contributions

  • India actively takes part in SCO's counter-terrorism exercises and shares expertise in combating terrorism and extremism.
  • India promotes economic and technological cooperation with other SCO members through initiatives like setting up Special Economic Zones and sharing technical knowledge.
  • India actively takes part in cultural events and programs organized by the SCO. It fosters cultural exchange and people-to-people ties with other member states.

Challenges for India

  • The dominance of China and Russia within the SCO can limit India's influence and ability to shape the organization's agenda.
  • India's concerns about terrorism emanating from Pakistan might not be fully addressed due to Pakistan's presence in the SCO.
  • Despite SCO's goals, achieving substantial economic integration among member states remains a challenge.

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Challenges Faced by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation faces a range of challenges that can impede its ability to achieve its stated objectives and maintain its relevance in the evolving regional and global landscape. These challenges require concerted efforts and adaptability from the member states to overcome.

  • Managing the conflicting interests and priorities of its diverse member states
  • Addressing the security threats posed by terrorism, extremism, and separatism in the region
  • Ensuring the effective implementation of its economic and developmental initiatives
  • Navigating the geopolitical tensions and power dynamics in the region

Overcoming these challenges will be crucial for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to continue its role as a meaningful platform for regional cooperation and stability.

Read the article on BRICS!

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summits

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation holds regular summits, which serve as the primary platform for the organization's decision-making and policy coordination. These summits bring together the heads of state and government of the member countries, as well as observers and dialogue partners. The summits provide an opportunity for the member states to review the organization's activities, discuss pressing regional and global issues, and chart the future course of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

https://blogmedia.testbook.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/sco-summits-b5b2342c.png

Source: SCO

  • The most recent summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation SCO was a virtual one held on July 4th, 2023, chaired by India.
  • This was India's first time chairing the SCO since becoming a full member in 2017.
  • The theme chosen by India was "Secure SCO," reflecting its focus on regional security cooperation in areas like counter-terrorism and cyber security.
  • A significant development was the official induction of Iran as the ninth member of the SCO.
  • India highlighted the importance of regional connectivity for enhancing trade and mutual trust among SCO member states.

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Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants

  • Founding and Members: Established in 2001, the SCO includes China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, and Pakistan.
  • Objectives: Aims to strengthen mutual trust, promote effective cooperation in politics, trade, economy, research, technology, and culture, and ensure peace, security, and stability in the region.
  • Expansion: Initially formed as the "Shanghai Five" in 1996, it expanded in 2001 to include Uzbekistan and was renamed the SCO. India and Pakistan joined as full members in 2017.
  • Regional Influence: The SCO covers three-fifths of the Eurasian continent and nearly half of the world's population, making it a significant geopolitical entity.
  • Economic and Security Cooperation: Focuses on combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Also promotes economic cooperation, energy partnership, and infrastructure development.
  • Decision-Making Structure: Decisions are made through consensus. The main bodies include the Heads of State Council (HSC), Heads of Government Council (HGC), and various specialized councils and committees.
  • India's Role and Interests: India views the SCO as a platform to enhance connectivity, trade, and security cooperation with Central Asian countries and to counterbalance China’s influence in the region.
  • Challenges and Criticisms: The SCO faces challenges like regional conflicts, diverse political systems among member states, and balancing the interests of China and Russia. Additionally, India and Pakistan's membership introduces potential friction due to their bilateral issues.

We hope that all your doubts regarding the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation SCO UPSC will be cleared after going through this article. You can download the Testbook App now to check out various other topics relevant to the UPSC IAS Exam.

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Shanghai Cooperation Organisation UPSC FAQs

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a regional international organization founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was founded in 2001.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was founded by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

India and Pakistan joined Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in 2017.

The current Shanghai Cooperation Organisation secretary general is a position that rotates among the member states.
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