Answer

Introduction

At the SCO Summit 2025 in Tianjin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored India’s approach built on security, sovereignty, and inclusive connectivity, alongside greater cultural and economic cooperation. The summit culminated in the Tianjin Declaration 2025, outlining joint commitments to counter terrorism, enhance regional trade, and strengthen integration among SCO member nations.

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Key Issues Raised by India at the SCO Summit 2025

• Firm stance against terrorism: India condemned the Pahalgam terror attack as an assault on humanity, urging SCO nations to reject “double standards” on terrorism.
• Sovereignty in connectivity projects: India stressed that “connectivity that bypasses sovereignty loses both trust and meaning,” clearly referencing unilateral projects like China’s BRI.
  Eg: By offering Chabahar Port as an alternative to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port, India promoted connectivity that respects sovereignty.
• Security as the foundation of growth: India placed security, peace, and stability as the first pillar of SCO, linking them directly with sustainable development and regional opportunity.
  Eg: India reiterated that partnerships cannot come at the cost of sovereignty, anchoring India’s regional vision.
• Balanced connectivity for regional trade: India proposed Chabahar as an “accessible, reliable, efficient gateway” for SCO nations, positioning it as a practical route for India-Central Asia ties.
• Civilisational Dialogue Forum for opportunity: India called for a Civilisational Dialogue Forum to showcase SCO’s shared culture, expanding cooperation beyond security and trade.
  Eg: India emphasised startups, innovation, youth empowerment, and Buddhist heritage as new avenues of opportunity within SCO.

Key Outcomes of the Tianjin Declaration of SCO 2025

• Commitment to Multipolarity & Stability: Reaffirmed vision of a multipolar order, rejecting unilateralism while promoting regional stability, anti-terror cooperation, and digital partnerships.
• SCO Development Strategy 2026-2035: Adopted roadmap for economic growth, connectivity, and cultural exchange, anchoring stability and inclusive development.
  Eg: India’s support for the Chabahar Port as a regional connectivity hub was integrated into the SCO’s long-term economic cooperation agenda.
• Programme on Countering Extremism 2026-2030: Approved plan to prevent radicalisation, especially among youth, using education and technology interventions.
• Energy Cooperation Roadmap 2030: Agreed to strengthen renewables, nuclear cooperation, and cross-border energy grids, enhancing energy security.
• Adoption of 24 Thematic Documents: Covered AI, digital economy, sustainable development, WWII and UN anniversaries, reflecting unity and cooperation.
  Eg: At the 2025 SCO Summit in Tianjin, member states adopted a joint AI cooperation agreement.

Conclusion

The 2025 SCO Summit in Tianjin showcased India’s proactive role in shaping a regional order anchored in security, sovereignty, and balanced growth. By steering the SCO agenda towards trust-based connectivity and cultural cooperation, India not only deepened partnerships but also positioned itself as a bridge between tradition and modernity, stability and opportunity in Eurasia.

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