At the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek, member states including India condemned military strikes on Iran and reaffirmed support for its sovereignty. PM Modi called for an end to 'double standards' in fighting terrorism.
- SCO members condemned military strikes on Iran and supported its territorial integrity.
- PM Modi emphasized the need to eliminate 'double standards' in combating terrorism.
- The summit advocated for the peaceful use of atomic energy by member states.
- Pakistan will assume the chairmanship for the next SCO summit.
The 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, held in the Kyrgyz Republic's capital, Bishkek, has emerged as a pivotal moment for multilateral diplomacy. Attended by heavyweights such as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the summit marked the 25th anniversary of the organization, which was founded in 2001 by the 'Shanghai Five'.
A defining feature of the Bishkek Summit was the 'Bishkek Declaration'. In a significant geopolitical shift, the member nations expressed deep concern over the recent military strikes on Iran, following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The declaration explicitly condemned the actions of the U.S. and Israel, citing violations of international law and the UN Charter, while reaffirming unwavering support for Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the SCO is increasingly positioning itself as a counterweight to Western unilateralism. By defending the 'inalienable right' of members to develop atomic energy for peaceful purposes and criticizing unauthorized satellite internet services (a nod to Elon Musk's Starlink), the SCO is carving out a distinct sphere of influence that challenges existing global norms.
The fight against terrorism must be free from the poison of double standards to be truly effective.
Prime Minister Modi's intervention focused heavily on the 'troika of challenges': terrorism, separatism, and extremism. He urged the global community to ensure there are no 'double standards' when it comes to defining and fighting terror. Furthermore, while discussing regional connectivity, PM Modi strategically emphasized that such projects must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states—a clear reference to the controversial China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The summit also touched upon the stability of West Asia, asserting that a just settlement of the Palestine question is the only path to lasting peace. Interestingly, while the group remained silent on Russia's role in the Ukraine conflict, it voiced concerns over the global build-up of missile defense systems, labeling them a threat to international stability.
| Feature | SCO Position | Western Perspective (Context) |
|---|---|---|
| Iran Sovereignty | Strong Support | Often contested via sanctions/strikes |
| Terrorism | Zero Tolerance (No Double Standards) | Debated definitions |
| Nuclear Energy | Inalienable Right for Peace | Highly regulated/monitored |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was the main outcome of the Bishkek Declaration?
The declaration condemned military strikes on Iran and called for adherence to international law and the UN Charter.
2. Who will chair the next SCO summit?
Pakistan has assumed the chair and will host the next summit.
