SCO Summit 2026: Key Leaders Discuss Global Conflicts and Economic Cooperation The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, brought together leaders from member states including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two-day gathering, which marked the organization’s 25th anniversary, also featured Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and leaders from Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and other nations. The summit coincided with global tensions stemming from the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, prompting discussions on regional security, economic cooperation, and the future of international order. The SCO, originally established in 1996 as the “Shanghai Five” to address border disputes among China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, expanded its mandate over time. By 2001, it had incorporated Uzbekistan, and in 2017, India and Pakistan joined as full members. Iran and Belarus were added as members in 2023 and 2024, respectively. The organization now includes 14 key dialogue partners, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, and Myanmar, and represents 43% of the world’s population and 23% of the global economy. This year’s summit, themed “Together for Sustainable Peace, Development and Prosperity,” aimed to address pressing global issues. The aftermath of the US-Israel war on Iran, which has disrupted energy markets and financial systems, was a central topic. Additionally, the Russia-Ukraine war and the economic challenges in Afghanistan were highlighted as key concerns.#vladimir_putin #shanghai_cooperation_organization #narendra_modhi #xi_jinping #bishkek
