SCO Tianjin Declaration 2025 – UPSC Notes by Suryavanshi IAS

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1. Context

On September 1, 2025, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit was held in Tianjin, China, chaired by President Xi Jinping. The summit produced the Tianjin Declaration, focusing on terrorism, global governance, economic coercion, Gaza conflict, and Afghanistan.

India, along with other members, signed the declaration — reaffirming its commitment to regional security and stability, while maintaining its independent stance on certain issues (e.g., China’s Belt and Road Initiative).

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2. Key Highlights of the Declaration

1. Counter-Terrorism

   • Condemned all forms of terrorism, including Pahalgam attack (India) and Jaffer Express & Khuzdar attacks (Pakistan).

   • Called for ending cross-border movement of terrorists.

   • Stressed inadmissibility of using terror groups for “mercenary purposes.”

2. Global Governance & Economic Measures

   • Opposed unilateral coercive measures (economic sanctions/tariffs) that contravene the UN Charter & WTO rules.

   • Xi Jinping criticised “Cold War mentality” and “bullying behaviour” in world order.

3. Global South & Multilateralism

   • Proposal of a Global Governance Initiative (GGI) → for just, equitable world order based on sovereign equality, multilateralism, rule of law.

   • Merging of statuses of observer & dialogue partner into a single partner status. Laos accepted as partner.

4. Development Agenda

   • Agreement to establish an SCO Development Bank.

   • Xi pledged ¥2 billion grants (2025) and ¥10 billion concessional loan (2025–28) for SCO member states.

5. Geopolitical Issues

   • Gaza Conflict: Condemned civilian casualties, humanitarian crisis.

   • Iran: SCO condemned U.S.–Israel strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities (India joined in condemnation).

   • Afghanistan: Called for formation of an inclusive government with participation of all ethno-political groups.

   • China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): Reaffirmed support by all members except India.

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3. SCO at a Glance (Prelims Capsule)

• Founded: 2001 (Shanghai, China).

• Members (10): China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Belarus.

• Headquarters: Beijing.

• Official Languages: Chinese & Russian.

• Key Organs: Council of Heads of State, Council of Heads of Government, Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent.

• Recent Expansion: Laos admitted as a partner → 27 total (10 members + 17 partners).

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4. UPSC Syllabus Relevance

Prelims

• International organisations: SCO – members, objectives, headquarters.

• Global issues: Terrorism, sanctions, global governance.

• Schemes/initiatives: Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS).

Mains (GS II – International Relations)

• Regional Security: SCO as a counterweight to NATO and Western alliances.

• India’s Role: Balancing act – condemning terrorism, supporting multilateralism, but staying out of BRI.

• Geopolitics: India joining condemnation of U.S.–Israel strikes on Iran shows nuanced diplomacy.

• Afghanistan: SCO’s role in regional stability, inclusive governance, anti-terror operations.

Essay / GS II & GS III Themes

• Multilateralism vs Unilateralism in global governance.

• Global South solidarity amid trade wars and sanctions.

• Terrorism and cross-border security.

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5. Mains-Oriented Analysis

Q: “Critically examine the significance of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) for India’s security and foreign policy, in light of the 2025 Tianjin Declaration.”

Answer Outline:

• Intro: Brief on SCO as Eurasian grouping, India’s membership since 2017.

• Positives for India:

  • Counter-terrorism platform (cross-border terror mention aligns with India’s concerns).

  • Energy security via Central Asia.

  • Regional stability in Afghanistan.

  • Platform for Global South solidarity against unilateral sanctions.

• Challenges for India:

  • Presence of Pakistan → diplomatic friction.

  • Dominance of China & Russia → strategic imbalance.

  • India’s rejection of BRI creates divergence.

• Way Forward:

  • Use SCO for counter-terrorism cooperation.

  • Strengthen ties with Central Asian republics.

  • Promote India’s own initiatives (Chabahar, INSTC, SAGAR).

• Conclusion: SCO offers India opportunities to project itself as a responsible regional power, but requires careful balancing with its strategic autonomy.

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6. Key Takeaways for UPSC Students

• Prelims Lens:

  • Remember SCO structure, members, RATS, new initiatives (SCO Development Bank).

  • Laos → new partner state (2025).

• Mains Lens:

  • India’s diplomatic balancing act → condemning terror but staying out of BRI.

  • India joining condemnation of U.S.–Israel strikes on Iran reflects strategic hedging.

  • SCO as a platform for India to push anti-terror agenda, diversify energy & connectivity options.

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🔑 In Summary:

The SCO Tianjin Declaration (2025) is highly relevant for UPSC prep: it intersects India’s foreign policy, counter-terrorism strategy, federal security concerns, and multilateral diplomacy. For aspirants, it is a ready-made case study on how India navigates complex geopolitics in a multipolar world.