SCO Bishkek Summit Endorses Iran’s Sovereignty and Condemns Western Sanctions

Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) adopted a joint declaration at the conclusion of a two‑day summit held in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The statement, known as the “Bishkek Declaration,” was signed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the leaders of all other SCO member states. The SCO currently comprises ten countries: Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and the Kyrgyz Republic.

The declaration condemns recent military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran, noting that such actions have caused civilian casualties and significant economic damage. According to the text, the attacks by the United States and Israel “violate the principles and norms of international law and the United Nations Charter” and pose serious risks to global peace and stability. Member states expressed condolences to Iran’s government and people for the loss of Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei and all victims, reaffirmed support for Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and called for a resolution of the conflict through political and diplomatic channels only.

The statement also addressed the situation in Palestine, observing that Israeli operations have destabilised the West Asian region. It stresses that “the only possible way to ensure peace and stability in the Middle East is a comprehensive and just settlement of the Palestinian question.”

Without naming specific sanctions, the declaration opposes “unilateral coercive measures” that conflict with UN and World Trade Organization rules, warning that such actions could negatively affect the global economy.

SCO Defends Iran’s NPT Rights

The SCO leaders upheld Iran’s rights under the Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty (NPT). As an NPT signatory, Iran is permitted to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including civilian reactors, research, and medicine. The declaration affirms “the inalienable right” of member states to pursue atomic energy for peaceful ends and to engage in equitable, sustainable international cooperation in this domain, declaring that any restrictions on this right are contrary to international law.

Historical context: The United States has long alleged that Iran seeks to develop nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran denies, maintaining that its program is solely for civilian use. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) limited Iran’s uranium enrichment to 3 %, well below weapons‑grade levels. However, the U.S. under President Donald Trump imposed a bombing campaign in 2025 and, together with Israel, launched a broader conflict against Iran in February 2026, asserting that military action was needed to halt a perceived weapons programme. Iran has rejected demands to abandon its enrichment activities, arguing that doing so would waive its NPT rights.

Economic and Energy Cooperation

In light of disruptions to key maritime routes—particularly the Strait of Hormuz—caused by the ongoing conflict with Iran, SCO members focused on deepening economic ties. The Bishkek Declaration commits participants to “support and strengthen an open, transparent, fair, inclusive, and non‑discriminatory multilateral trading system” based on accepted international principles. It also endorses the SCO Economic Development Strategy for the period up to 2030 and pledges to enhance financial cooperation through practical dialogue.

Recognising the impact of the conflict on global energy markets, the leaders also affirmed “support for the expansion of inclusive and mutually beneficial cooperation in energy” and agreed to implement the SCO Member States’ Energy Cooperation Strategy to 2030.

Fight Against Terrorism, Separatism, and Extremism

The summit saw India and Pakistan reiterate their mutual accusations regarding state‑sponsored terrorism. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi described terrorism as “a grave challenge to all of humanity” and called for an end to double standards, urging member states to dismantle terrorist financing networks, recruitment pipelines, radicalisation efforts, and safe havens. Observers noted that Modi’s remarks were widely perceived as directed at Pakistan.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif countered by highlighting Pakistan’s sacrifices in combating terrorism, insisting that terrorism in all its forms must be condemned. The Bishkek Declaration reaffirms the SCO’s commitment to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism, condemning double standards in the fight against terrorism and calling on the international community to address cross‑border terrorist movements.

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