SCO Summit 2026: India, China, Russia and Iran Leaders Meet in Kyrgyzstan

SCO Summit Brings China, Russia, India and Iran Together in Kyrgyzstan Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is among several world leaders gathering in Kyrgyzstan this week for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. Leaders from China, Russia, India, Pakistan and other member countries will attend the meeting, which comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions involving Russia, Iran and China. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to hold bilateral talks on the sidelines of the summit. Putin is also scheduled to meet President Pezeshkian.

What Is the SCO? The SCO is a regional political, economic and security group that marks its (25)th year in (2026). It began as the Shanghai Five in (1996), formed by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to address border security and regional cooperation. The organisation later expanded to include(10) full members: - Belarus - China - India - Iran - Kazakhstan - Kyrgyzstan - Pakistan - Russia - Tajikistan - Uzbekistan Iran joined the SCO in(2023), while Belarus became the group’s newest member in (2024). The SCO presents itself as a platform for cooperation on security, trade, counterterrorism and regional crime. Its founding charter states that the organisation does not target any specific country or military alliance. However, China and Russia often use SCO summits to criticise Western policies and promote a multipolar global order. The group is widely viewed as a diplomatic platform that provides China and Russia greater influence across Central Asia.

Summit Amid Global Tensions This year’s summit takes place against the backdrop of Russia’s war in Ukraine, tensions between Iran and the United States, and disputes involving China and Western countries. China and Iran have supported Russia through economic and logistical ties, although Beijing continues to describe its position on the Ukraine war as neutral. Iran views the SCO as a way to strengthen political and economic relations beyond Western markets and reduce the impact of sanctions. China has expanded investment and trade links with Iran while also increasing energy diversification. Beijing has called for diplomacy and de-escalation in both the Ukraine war and tensions involving Iran. Despite its growing influence, the SCO has major internal differences. India and Pakistan remain geopolitical rivals, while India and China continue to face border tensions. China and Russia also compete for influence in Central Asia.

Limited Major Announcements Expected The summit is likely to produce broad statements on regional security, economic cooperation, counterterrorism and diplomatic engagement. However, analysts do not expect major strategic decisions or formal military alliances. Along with the(10) member states, Afghanistan and Mongolia hold observer status, while several countries participate as dialogue partners, including Egypt, Thailand, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates. The SCO offers leaders a venue to hold discussions outside Western-led forums. Still, the organisation’s ability to take united action remains limited because member states often pursue different national interests.