Global Leaders Gather for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit

Leaders from around the globe are set to converge in Kyrgyzstan on August 31 for the 26th annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). This gathering will see prominent figures, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, convening to discuss critical economic and geopolitical issues.

The SCO, which was established in 2001, originally focused on economic cooperation among its members, which include China, Russia, and several Central Asian nations. Over the years, however, it has evolved into a platform for discussing broader strategic interests. The organisation currently represents about 40 per cent of the world's population and roughly 25 per cent of global GDP.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Bishkek on Sunday and was welcomed with a traditional Kyrgyz dance performance at the airport. He is attending the summit on the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov. Modi expressed his anticipation for the summit, highlighting his aim to promote India's vision for the region, which encompasses themes of security, connectivity, and opportunity. He stated, "I look forward to advancing our regional partnerships and fostering peace and stability."

Alongside Modi, other leaders including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are expected to attend. Although Turkiye is not a member of the SCO, it has maintained dialogue with the organisation. Pezeshkian is slated to meet with President Putin to discuss bilateral matters following Iran's admission to the SCO in 2023.

The summit occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Western nations and both Russia and China. Both Putin and Xi have previously used SCO meetings to advocate for a multipolar world, ostensibly presenting a united front against perceived Western aggression. In the past, Putin has attributed the onset of the Ukraine conflict to provocations from Western countries, while Xi has decried what he calls acts of intimidation by the United States.

During the summit, leaders will also commemorate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the SCO. Historically, this event has served not just as a platform for dialogue but has also been a venue for leaders to foster collaborations that transcend individual nation-states.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently commented on the shifting dynamics in global trade. He encouraged G20 nations to reassess their economic relations with China, particularly in light of its substantial trade surplus. Bessent described this surplus as unsustainable and suggested that recalibrating economic ties would be beneficial for global stability.

The upcoming summit thus provides an important context for discussions that could shape the economic and geopolitical landscape for years to come.