Summary
The SCO, founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, now includes India, Pakistan, Iran and Belarus.
During its 2022‑2023 chairmanship, India introduced new cooperation areas such as startups, traditional medicine, digital inclusion and youth empowerment.
India continues to engage at high levels, with the prime minister and foreign minister attending SCO summits in 2025 and 2026.
Bilateral talks with Uzbekistan aim for a $5 billion trade target and cooperation in minerals, defence and digital payments.
The SCO provides a platform for India to discuss security, economic development, cultural exchange and regional connectivity.