The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s New Leadership

On September 1 2026, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) formally handed over its chairmanship to Pakistan. The move, announced at the summit in Astana, marks a significant shift in the regional bloc’s power dynamics, bringing the country that has long been a flashpoint in South Asian security to the helm of a 12‑nation platform that includes China, Russia, India, and Central Asian states.

Modi’s Sharp Rebuke

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi seized the moment to deliver a pointed critique of Pakistan’s role in regional stability. In a televised address, he warned that “terrorism is being weaponised as a strategic asset” by Islamabad, a phrase that reverberated through the conference hall and quickly made headlines across the sub‑continent.

“When a state adopts terror as a tool of policy, it not only jeopardises its neighbours but also undermines the very purpose of multilateral institutions like the SCO,” Modi said.

The Broader Geopolitical Context

• SCO’s Expanding Agenda – Originally a security‑focused grouping, the SCO now tackles trade, connectivity, and climate cooperation. Pakistan’s chairmanship could tilt the agenda toward security concerns, especially along the volatile Afghan‑Pakistani frontier.
• India‑Pakistan Tensions – The latest flare‑up comes amid renewed disputes over the Indus Waters Treaty and cross‑border infiltration accusations. Both capitals are using the SCO platform to broadcast their narratives to a global audience.
• China‑Russia Alignment – With both powers backing Pakistan’s leadership bid, New Delhi finds itself navigating a delicate balancing act: cooperating on Afghanistan while countering any tacit endorsement of terror‑linked policies.

Reactions from the SCO Members

• China welcomed Pakistan’s chairmanship, emphasizing “continuity and stability” in the organization’s security architecture.
• Russia highlighted the need for “collective action against extremism,” echoing Modi’s concerns but stopping short of naming any member.
• Central Asian Presidents called for “enhanced economic cooperation,” signalling a desire to keep the summit’s focus broad despite political undercurrents.

What This Means for Regional Security

1. Increased Scrutiny on Pakistan – As chair, Islamabad will be under the microscope, with member states likely demanding concrete steps to curb militant networks operating from its soil.
2. India’s Diplomatic Leverage – Modi’s public condemnation serves a dual purpose: it pressures Pakistan while positioning India as a responsible stakeholder advocating for a terror‑free SCO.
3. Potential Realignment – If Pakistan leans heavily on security narratives, other members may push back, potentially reshaping the SCO’s consensus‑driven decision‑making process.

Takeaways

• The SCO summit has become a stage for India‑Pakistan rivalry, with each side using diplomatic language to signal broader strategic intentions.
• Modi’s framing of terrorism as a strategic asset is a calculated move to delegitimize Pakistan’s international standing while rallying domestic support.
• The coming months will reveal whether Pakistan can balance its chair responsibilities with the international community’s expectations for counter‑terrorism action.

---

The SCO’s next meeting is slated for 2027, and the outcomes of Pakistan’s tenure will likely influence the organization’s direction for years to come.

---

Original Reporting & Source: The Times of India