Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) | Members, History, | Future Expansion

 

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO): Members, History, and Future Expansion

Introduction: What is the SCO?

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is one of the world’s largest regional organizations, both in terms of geography and population. It was founded in 2001 in Shanghai, China, with the aim of strengthening regional security, economic cooperation, and political trust among its members.

Originally created to address border security, counter-terrorism, and regional stability, the SCO has now evolved into a platform for trade, cultural exchange, and strategic partnership across Eurasia.

Current Member Countries of SCO

As of today, the SCO has nine full member states, covering almost three-fifths of Eurasia and representing over 40% of the world’s population.

1. China

One of the founding members, China plays a leading role in the SCO. It focuses on regional trade, connectivity, and promoting its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

2. Russia

Russia is another core founder, contributing military, energy, and political influence to strengthen Eurasian integration.

3. Kazakhstan

A Central Asian giant, Kazakhstan joined to ensure regional security and to boost economic development through SCO cooperation.

4. Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan benefits from SCO’s counter-terrorism initiatives and regional economic projects.

5. Tajikistan

As a founding member, Tajikistan plays an important role in border security and combating extremist threats.

6. Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan joined to strengthen economic cooperation and counter cross-border security challenges.

7. India

India became a full member in 2017, adding global weight to the SCO with its huge population and growing economy.

8. Pakistan

Pakistan also joined in 2017, making SCO a rare regional forum where both India and Pakistan are members together.

9. Iran

Iran became a full member in 2023, strengthening the SCO’s energy cooperation and connectivity in the Middle East and Central Asia.

Observer States in the SCO

Several countries are currently observer states and actively participate in SCO activities:

  • Afghanistan

  • Belarus (set to become a full member soon)

  • Mongolia

Dialogue Partners of SCO

Beyond full members and observers, the SCO has many dialogue partners, showing its growing global importance:

  • Turkey

  • Sri Lanka

  • Nepal

  • Azerbaijan

  • Armenia

  • Cambodia

  • Egypt

  • Saudi Arabia

  • Qatar

  • Bahrain

  • Maldives

  • Kuwait

  • Myanmar

  • UAE

Who is Planning to Join the SCO Soon?

  • Belarus is in the process of becoming a full member, likely in the near future.

  • Other countries in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia have expressed interest, as SCO expands its influence beyond Eurasia.

Why the SCO Matters for the Future

The SCO is not just a regional body—it is becoming a global organization shaping geopolitics and trade. With energy-rich states like Russia, Iran, and Central Asia, and massive markets like China, India, and Pakistan, the SCO is expected to play a key role in the 21st century world order

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