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SCO 26th Summit Bishkek: Condemns Strikes on Iran, Backs Inclusive Afghanistan, Pakistan Takes Chair

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCTeachingSSC GAPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
05 Sept 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:June 15, 20012017Aug 31-Sep 1, 2026Bishkek26th summitSCO Development Bank
Bodies:Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
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What This Article Covers

1.SCO's 26th summit in Bishkek (Aug 31-Sep 1, 2026) condemned US-Israel military strikes on Iran, supported Iran's sovereignty, and advocated peaceful nuclear energy.

2.India pushed for no double standards in counter-terrorism and called for inclusive government in Afghanistan, while staying away from endorsing China's BRI.

3.Pakistan assumed SCO chair for next summit; India's participation uncertain due to strained relations post-Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

The SCO's 26th summit in Bishkek saw India, China, Russia, Iran, and others condemn US-Israel strikes on Iran, reaffirm support for Iran's sovereignty, and call for inclusive government in Afghanistan. India emphasized no double standards in fighting terrorism and connectivity respecting territorial integrity, while Pakistan assumed chair for next year's summit, complicating India-Pakistan relations.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

SCO FoundedJune 15, 2001
India & Pakistan Joined2017
26th Summit VenueBishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
Summit DatesAug 31 - Sep 1, 2026
Key DeclarationCondemned US-Israel strikes on Iran; supported Iran sovereignty
India's StanceNo double standards in terrorism; inclusive Afghanistan
Next ChairPakistan
New InitiativeSCO Development Bank

1-Minute Revision

  • ›SCO Founded: June 15, 2001
  • ›India & Pakistan Joined: 2017
  • ›Target this Data: SCO founded June 15, 2001; India joined 2017; 26th summit Bishkek 2026.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) – not a military alliance, focuses on security and economic cooperation.
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Bishkek Declaration – condemned US-Israel strikes on Iran, supported Iran's sovereignty, advocated peaceful nuclear energy.

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which of the following countries is NOT a founding member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the 26th SCO Summit:

1. The summit was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic on August 31-September 1, 2026.

2. The Bishkek Declaration condemned the US-Israel strikes on Iran and supported Iran's sovereignty.

3. India endorsed the China-led Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) at the summit.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricEasy

When was the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) founded?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What was the primary objective of India's stance at the 26th SCO Summit?

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