India at SCO 2026: Balancing China, Russia and a Shifting Eurasian Order

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s 26th summit in Bishkek highlighted India’s efforts to navigate a changing Eurasian geopolitical landscape. The grouping, which includes India, China, Russia, Iran, Pakistan and Central Asian nations, represents a significant share of the global population and economy. The summit marked the organisation’s 25th anniversary and outlined priorities for security cooperation, connectivity, economic coordination and a more multipolar international order. However, the effectiveness of these commitments will depend on how far member countries translate declarations into practical cooperation.

Security remained a central focus of the summit, with members reaffirming opposition to terrorism in all forms, including cross-border terrorism. For India, the emphasis on dismantling terrorist networks and preventing the political use of extremist groups aligns with its longstanding concerns. The SCO also agreed to strengthen cooperation against narcotics, synthetic drugs and other emerging security challenges. With terrorism, organised crime, cyber threats, drug trafficking and instability in Afghanistan increasingly interconnected, the organisation faces pressure to move beyond political statements towards intelligence sharing, financial monitoring, border management and coordinated law enforcement.

The summit also reflected the SCO’s broader ambitions regarding the global order. Members reaffirmed support for multilateralism, sovereignty, non-interference and a more representative international system. At the same time, the organisation stressed that it is not a military or political bloc directed against other countries. This distinction is important because its members have sharply different strategic interests. India and China remain strategic competitors, while India and Pakistan continue to face serious tensions. Russia’s relations with Western countries and Iran’s international disputes further complicate efforts to build common positions on major geopolitical issues.

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Connectivity remains another important area for India. Central Asia offers opportunities in energy, minerals, trade and strategic partnerships, but India’s geographical access to the region remains challenging. New Delhi has backed connectivity projects while stressing respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. India’s engagement through the International North-South Transport Corridor and its partnership with Iran’s Chabahar port are part of this broader strategy. The SCO can support discussions on transport corridors, customs, logistics and energy cooperation, although political disputes between member states could continue to limit progress.

The Bishkek summit expanded the SCO’s agenda beyond traditional security concerns. More than 20 decisions and statements and several memoranda covered areas including climate change, nuclear safety, energy conservation, technology and drug control. Indian-led initiatives such as the SCO Young Scientist Forum, Young Author’s Conclave and Civilisation Dialogue Forum were incorporated into the organisation’s framework. The decision to introduce English as an official language, subject to the required ratification process, could also improve the SCO’s accessibility and institutional communication. The grouping’s position on the West Asian crisis showed its growing interest in developments affecting energy supplies, trade routes and global supply chains.

The next phase could be particularly significant for India as Pakistan takes over the SCO presidency for 2026-27. New Delhi will need to remain engaged with the organisation while protecting its wider strategic interests in Central Asia and beyond. India’s approach is likely to focus on practical cooperation rather than treating the SCO as an anti-Western grouping or an institution dominated by China and Russia. The organisation’s credibility will ultimately depend on whether its members can turn diplomatic consensus into stronger institutions, infrastructure, security cooperation and economic opportunities. The Bishkek summit has set the direction, but implementation will determine the SCO’s influence in the years ahead.

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