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Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

PYQs

13

Articles

5

Momentum

46

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) originated from the "Shanghai Five" mechanism, established in 1996 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. This initial grouping focused on border demarcation and demilitarization following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Uzbekistan joined in 2001, transforming it into the SCO, with its foundational Charter signed in 2002.

India's membership in SCO provides a crucial platform for engaging with Central Asian nations, Russia, and China on regional security, counter-terrorism, and economic connectivity, directly impacting India's strategic interests and foreign policy objectives.

Key facts

Shanghai Five

Predecessor to SCO, formed in 1996 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan.

SCO Formation

Established in 2001 with the inclusion of Uzbekistan.

SCO Charter

Signed in 2002, entered into force in 2003, serving as the foundational legal document.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Overview

The SCO is a permanent intergovernmental international organization, a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance. Its primary objectives include strengthening mutual trust and good-neighborliness among member states, promoting effective cooperation in politics, trade, economy, research, technology, and culture, and making joint efforts to maintain and ensure peace, security, and stability in the region.

Key areas of cooperation include counter-terrorism, combating separatism and extremism, drug trafficking, and organized crime. The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is a permanent body within the SCO, specifically designed to coordinate efforts against these threats.

Key facts

Formation Year

2001 (as SCO)

Headquarters

Beijing, China (Secretariat) and Tashkent, Uzbekistan (RATS Executive Committee)

Official Languages

Russian, Chinese

India's Membership

Full member since 2017

Core Objectives

Regional security, counter-terrorism, economic cooperation, cultural exchange.

Shanghai Spirit

Mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity, pursuit of common development.

Latest Member

Iran (2023)

Founding Year

2001

Reference table

SCO Member States

CountryYear of Full Membership
China2001 (Founding member of Shanghai Five)
Russia2001 (Founding member of Shanghai Five)
Kazakhstan2001 (Founding member of Shanghai Five)
Kyrgyzstan2001 (Founding member of Shanghai Five)
Tajikistan2001 (Founding member of Shanghai Five)
Uzbekistan2001
India2017
Pakistan2017
Iran2023

Reference table

SCO Observer States and Dialogue Partners

StatusCountries
Observer StatesAfghanistan, Belarus, Mongolia
Dialogue PartnersAzerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Maldives, Myanmar, Bahrain

Reference table

Key SCO Bodies

BodyFunction
Heads of State Council (HSC)Highest decision-making body, defines priorities and main areas of activity.
Heads of Government Council (HGC)Approves the budget, considers economic cooperation issues.
Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM)Discusses current international issues, prepares HSC meetings.
Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS)Permanent body for coordinating efforts against terrorism, separatism, extremism.
SCO SecretariatPermanent executive body, provides organizational and technical support.

Reference table

SCO Membership Status

CategoryCountries
Member StatesIndia, Belarus, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
Dialogue PartnersAzerbaijan, Armenia, Bahrain, Egypt, Cambodia, Qatar, Kuwait, Laos, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Sri Lanka
ObserversMongolia, Afghanistan

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaInternational Relations

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)Facilitates cooperation
Shanghai Cooperation OrganisationGoverns regional cooperation
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims: UPSC can test factual knowledge regarding the SCO's founding year, headquarters, official languages, member states (especially India's entry year and the latest member), observer states, and dialogue partners. Questions may also focus on its key objectives, such as the role of RATS in counter-terrorism, or the "Shanghai Spirit" as its guiding principle. Understanding the difference between SCO and other regional groupings (e.g., NATO, SAARC) in terms of scope and nature is also important.

Mains: For Mains, questions often revolve around India's strategic interests and challenges within the SCO. This includes analyzing India's role in regional security, counter-terrorism efforts, connectivity projects (e.g., INSTC), and economic cooperation. Candidates should be prepared to discuss the implications of China and Pakistan's presence for India, the SCO's relevance in a multipolar world, its potential as a counterweight to Western influence, and its impact on India's 'Act East' and Central Asia policies. The geopolitical significance of the SCO in Eurasia and its role in promoting regional stability and economic integration are also crucial areas of examination.

Quick revision

  • Established on June 15, 2001, in Shanghai, China.
  • Current members include India, Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus.
  • India gained full membership in 2017 and held the rotating chairmanship in 2023.
  • Key objectives include regional security, counter-terrorism, and defence cooperation.
  • Serves as a crucial platform for India's engagement with Central Asian nations and major powers like Russia and China.

High-confidence PYQs

2026Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis

Which of the following countries are members of the European Union ? 1. Belarus 2. Poland 3. Germany 4. Switzerland Select the answer using the code given ...

International RelationsOpen question
2025Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS: I. 16th BRICS Summit was held under the Chairship of Russia in Kazan. II. Indonesia has become a ful...

International RelationsOpen question

Consider the following countries: I. Austria II. Bulgaria III. Croatia IV. Serbia V. Sweden VI. North Macedonia How many of the above are members of the No...

International RelationsOpen question

India is one of the founding members of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal transportation corridor, which will connect

International RelationsOpen question
2025Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS: I. 16th BRICS Summit was held under the Chairship of Russia in Kazan. II. Indonesia has become a ful...

International RelationsOpen question

Consider the following countries: I. Austria II. Bulgaria III. Croatia IV. Serbia V. Sweden VI. North Macedonia How many of the above are members of the No...

International RelationsOpen question

India is one of the founding members of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal transportation corridor, which will connect

International RelationsOpen question
2025Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis

Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS: I. 16th BRICS Summit was held under the Chairship of Russia in Kazan. II. Indonesia has become a ful...

International RelationsOpen question

Consider the following countries: I. Austria II. Bulgaria III. Croatia IV. Serbia V. Sweden VI. North Macedonia How many of the above are members of the No...

International RelationsOpen question

India is one of the founding members of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal transportation corridor, which will connect

International RelationsOpen question
2022Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis

Consider the following: 1. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank 2. Missile Technology Control Regime 3. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation India is a member ...

International RelationsOpen question

Consider the following countries 1. Armenia 2. Azerbaijan 3. Croatia 4. Romania 5. Uzbekistan Which of the above are members of the Organization of Turkic S...

International RelationsOpen question
2022Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis

Consider the following: 1. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank 2. Missile Technology Control Regime 3. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation India is a member ...

International RelationsOpen question

Consider the following countries 1. Armenia 2. Azerbaijan 3. Croatia 4. Romania 5. Uzbekistan Which of the above are members of the Organization of Turkic S...

International RelationsOpen question
2019Factual recall, Policy measures

Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the follow...

International RelationsOpen question
2017Statement-based questions, Factual recall

Consider the following in respect of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): 1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indi...

International RelationsOpen question
2016Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

Consider the following statements regarding the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS): 1. The summit held in 2015 marked the third edition of the IAFS. 2. The IAF...

International RelationsOpen question

Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’?

International RelationsOpen question
2016Statement-based questions, Factual recall

Consider the following statements regarding the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS): 1. The summit held in 2015 marked the third edition of the IAFS. 2. The IAF...

International RelationsOpen question

Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’?

International RelationsOpen question
2015Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding

In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not participant/ participants? 1. Bangladesh 2. Cambodia 3. Ch...

International RelationsOpen question

Consider the following countries - 1. China 2. France 3. India 4. Israel 5. Pakistan Which among the above are Nuclear Weapons States as recognized by the T...

International RelationsOpen question

With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, Consider the following statements: 1. It was established very recently i...

International RelationsOpen question
2015Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis

In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not participant/ participants? 1. Bangladesh 2. Cambodia 3. Ch...

International RelationsOpen question

Consider the following countries - 1. China 2. France 3. India 4. Israel 5. Pakistan Which among the above are Nuclear Weapons States as recognized by the T...

International RelationsOpen question

With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, Consider the following statements: 1. It was established very recently i...

International RelationsOpen question
2015Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis

In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not participant/ participants? 1. Bangladesh 2. Cambodia 3. Ch...

International RelationsOpen question

Consider the following countries - 1. China 2. France 3. India 4. Israel 5. Pakistan Which among the above are Nuclear Weapons States as recognized by the T...

International RelationsOpen question

With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, Consider the following statements: 1. It was established very recently i...

International RelationsOpen question
Phase IVLatest

Current affairs

Overview

India continues to actively engage with the SCO, participating in various ministerial meetings and joint exercises, particularly focusing on regional security, counter-terrorism, and defence cooperation, as highlighted by recent Defence Ministers' meetings.

India's participation in SCO meetings, including those of Heads of State, Heads of Government, Foreign Ministers, and Defence Ministers, underscores its commitment to regional stability and multilateral diplomacy. India often uses these platforms to advocate for a unified approach against terrorism, emphasizing the need to hold accountable those who finance and support terrorist activities.

Topic timeline

International Relations
Prelims 2015· Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding

In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not participant/ participants? 1. Bangladesh 2. Cambodia 3. Ch...

Open question

Consider the following countries - 1. China 2. France 3. India 4. Israel 5. Pakistan Which among the above are Nuclear Weapons States as recognized by the T...

Open question

With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, Consider the following statements: 1. It was established very recently i...

Open question
Prelims 2015· Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis

In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not participant/ participants? 1. Bangladesh 2. Cambodia 3. Ch...

Open question

Consider the following countries - 1. China 2. France 3. India 4. Israel 5. Pakistan Which among the above are Nuclear Weapons States as recognized by the T...

Open question

With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, Consider the following statements: 1. It was established very recently i...

Open question
Prelims 2015· Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis

In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not participant/ participants? 1. Bangladesh 2. Cambodia 3. Ch...

Open question

Consider the following countries - 1. China 2. France 3. India 4. Israel 5. Pakistan Which among the above are Nuclear Weapons States as recognized by the T...

Open question

With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, Consider the following statements: 1. It was established very recently i...

Open question
Prelims 2016· Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

Consider the following statements regarding the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS): 1. The summit held in 2015 marked the third edition of the IAFS. 2. The IAF...

Open question

Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’?

Open question
Prelims 2016· Statement-based questions, Factual recall

Consider the following statements regarding the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS): 1. The summit held in 2015 marked the third edition of the IAFS. 2. The IAF...

Open question

Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’?

Open question
Prelims 2017· Statement-based questions, Factual recall

Consider the following in respect of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): 1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indi...

Open question
Prelims 2019· Factual recall, Policy measures

Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the follow...

Open question
Prelims 2022· Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis

Consider the following: 1. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank 2. Missile Technology Control Regime 3. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation India is a member ...

Open question

Consider the following countries 1. Armenia 2. Azerbaijan 3. Croatia 4. Romania 5. Uzbekistan Which of the above are members of the Organization of Turkic S...

Open question
Prelims 2022· Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis

Consider the following: 1. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank 2. Missile Technology Control Regime 3. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation India is a member ...

Open question

Consider the following countries 1. Armenia 2. Azerbaijan 3. Croatia 4. Romania 5. Uzbekistan Which of the above are members of the Organization of Turkic S...

Open question
Prelims 2025· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS: I. 16th BRICS Summit was held under the Chairship of Russia in Kazan. II. Indonesia has become a ful...

Open question

Consider the following countries: I. Austria II. Bulgaria III. Croatia IV. Serbia V. Sweden VI. North Macedonia How many of the above are members of the No...

Open question

India is one of the founding members of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal transportation corridor, which will connect

Open question
Prelims 2025· Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS: I. 16th BRICS Summit was held under the Chairship of Russia in Kazan. II. Indonesia has become a ful...

Open question

Consider the following countries: I. Austria II. Bulgaria III. Croatia IV. Serbia V. Sweden VI. North Macedonia How many of the above are members of the No...

Open question

India is one of the founding members of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal transportation corridor, which will connect

Open question
Prelims 2025· Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis

Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS: I. 16th BRICS Summit was held under the Chairship of Russia in Kazan. II. Indonesia has become a ful...

Open question

Consider the following countries: I. Austria II. Bulgaria III. Croatia IV. Serbia V. Sweden VI. North Macedonia How many of the above are members of the No...

Open question

India is one of the founding members of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal transportation corridor, which will connect

Open question
Prelims 2026· Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis

Which of the following countries are members of the European Union ? 1. Belarus 2. Poland 3. Germany 4. Switzerland Select the answer using the code given ...

Open question

Raksha Mantri to lead Indian delegation at SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

26 Apr 2026 · The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance. India became a full member in 2017 and actively participates in its initiatives, particularly concerning regional security, counter-terrorism, and defence cooperation.

Read article

PM Modi visit to Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic: Why Central Asia matters for India

29 Aug 2026 · The SCO is a major Eurasian political, economic, and security organization founded in 2001, with India joining as a full member in 2017. It serves as a platform for regional cooperation, counter-terrorism efforts, and economic integration among its diverse member states, including China, Russia, and Central Asian nations.

Read article

Forging consensus: On India and the SCO meeting

04 Sep 2026 · The SCO is a key Eurasian political, economic, and security bloc where India plays an active role in promoting counter-terrorism, connectivity, and economic ties amidst complex geopolitical dynamics.

Read article

Expert Explains | Why does SCO matter to India? It’s not just soft power

05 Sep 2026 · The SCO is a key Eurasian security and economic bloc where India pursues strategic interests in Central Asia, counter-terrorism, and connectivity, while navigating geopolitical complexities and asserting its strategic autonomy.

Read article

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation | The house of multilaterals

06 Sep 2026 · The SCO is a key regional security and economic bloc where India navigates complex geopolitical dynamics, addresses terrorism, and promotes connectivity while managing bilateral tensions with China and Pakistan.

Read article

Related topics

Current topic

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

Often confused with

India's Connect Central Asia Policy

Open notesOften confused with

BRICS

Open notes
Often confused with

Regional Security

Coming soon
Often confused with

Counter-Terrorism

Coming soon
Often confused with

Multilateralism

Coming soon
Often confused with

India's Foreign Policy

Coming soon

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 13 linked questions on Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

See Mains PYQsEvaluate an answer

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS: I. 16th BRICS Summit was held under the Chairship of Russia in Kazan. II. Indonesia has become a ful...

2025·International Relations
Solve

In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not participant/ participants? 1. Bangladesh 2. Cambodia 3. Ch...

2015·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following countries - 1. China 2. France 3. India 4. Israel 5. Pakistan Which among the above are Nuclear Weapons States as recognized by the T...

2015·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following: 1. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank 2. Missile Technology Control Regime 3. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation India is a member ...

2022·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following in respect of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): 1. Inaugural IONS was held in India in 2015 under the chairmanship of the Indi...

2017·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following statements regarding the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS): 1. The summit held in 2015 marked the third edition of the IAFS. 2. The IAF...

2016·International Relations
Solve

Which of the following countries are members of the European Union ? 1. Belarus 2. Poland 3. Germany 4. Switzerland Select the answer using the code given ...

2026·International Relations
Solve

With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, Consider the following statements: 1. It was established very recently i...

2015·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following countries 1. Armenia 2. Azerbaijan 3. Croatia 4. Romania 5. Uzbekistan Which of the above are members of the Organization of Turkic S...

2022·International Relations
Solve

Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’?

2016·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following countries: I. Austria II. Bulgaria III. Croatia IV. Serbia V. Sweden VI. North Macedonia How many of the above are members of the No...

2025·International Relations
Solve

Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the follow...

2019·International Relations
Solve

India is one of the founding members of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal transportation corridor, which will connect

2025·International Relations
Solve

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