As nations worldwide grapple with the impact of ongoing U.S. tariffs, world leaders convened at the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, from August 31 to September 1, 2025, highlighting solidarity and strengthened cooperation among SCO members.

In a joint declaration, member states opposed “unilateral coercive measures, including economic measures…” and called for a “open, transparent, fair, inclusive, and non-discriminatory” multilateral trading system.

Key participants at the 2025 Summit included Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif.  The SCO which has ten full members, also engages two observer states – Mongolia and Afghanistan – as well as 15 dialogue partners.

In his address, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the SCO can play a pivotal role in “promoting multilateralism and an inclusive world order.” He highlighted that over the past 24 years, the SCO has been instrumental in fostering connections across the Eurasian region. 

“As an active member, India has always contributed in a constructive and positive manner,” he noted. The Prime Minister outlined India’s vision for the SCO, anchored on three pillars: S – Security, C – Connectivity, and O – Opportunity. On Security, he stressed that peace and stability are fundamental to national development but cautioned that “terrorism, separatism, and extremism” remain pressing challenges.

“Recently, we witnessed the most heinous face of terrorism in Pahalgam. I express my deep gratitude to all the friendly nations that stood by us during this moment of grief. This attack was not only an assault on the conscience of India, but also an open challenge to every nation, and every individual who believes in humanity,” he said.

On Connectivity, PM Modi emphasized that strong connections between nations facilitate not only trade but also trust and development. Regarding Opportunity, he highlighted prospects for cooperation and reform. Reflecting on India’s 2023 SCO presidency, he noted new areas of collaboration, including start-ups, innovation, traditional medicine, youth empowerment, digital inclusion, and the shared Buddhist heritage.

“Today, India is advancing with the motto of Reform, Perform, and Transform. From the Covid crisis to global economic uncertainties, we have endeavored to convert challenges into opportunities,” PM Modi added. “We are consistently pursuing wide-ranging reforms, which are creating new opportunities for both national development and international cooperation. I warmly invite you all to be a part of India’s development journey.”

He further underscored that SCO members can bolster mutual cooperation to drive reforms in global institutions. “On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, we can unanimously call for UN reform,” he said.

President Jinping observed that while the United Nations since its founding 80-years ago has long championed “peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit,” the world still contends with the “Cold War mentality, hegemonism and protectionism.” He warned that global challenges are intensifying, placing governance at a critical crossroads.

“History tells us that at difficult times, we must uphold our original commitment to peaceful coexistence, strengthen our confidence in win-win cooperation, advance in line with the trend of history, and thrive in keeping pace with the times,” he said. 

He introduced the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), aiming for a more just and equitable international system and a “community with a shared future for humanity.”

President Xi outlined five principles for SCO members: adherence to sovereign equality, observance of international law, commitment to multilateralism, prioritizing a people-centered approach, and focusing on actionable results. 

He emphasized that the SCO should assume a “leading role” in implementing the GGI and continue safeguarding regional peace through frameworks such as the Treaty on Long-Term Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation.

President Xi also highlighted China’s support for SCO collaboration with multilateral institutions like the U.N., ASEAN, the Eurasian Economic Union, and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia to strengthen international economic and trade governance.

President Putin noted growing global interest in the SCO’s work, emphasizing that states increasingly seek open and equitable dialogue with the organization. Since its founding in 2001, the SCO has promoted peace, security, trust, and cooperation across Eurasia. 

He expressed support for President Xi’s proposals for a more effective system of global governance, stressing that any future system must respect international law, uphold the UN Charter, be balanced, and accommodate the sustainable development and security of all countries.

President Putin also highlighted ongoing economic collaboration within the SCO, noting that despite global economic challenges, the combined GDP of member states grew by over five percent in 2024, outpacing global averages, with industrial output rising 4.6 percent. Cooperation continues to deepen in sectors including energy, finance, agriculture, food security, infrastructure, high technology, innovation, and transport, he added.

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