
A Bridge Called SCO
GK & Current Affairs for CLAT | CLAT Current Affairs 2026
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Introduction
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), established in 2001, has evolved into a significant Eurasian political, economic, and security grouping. Over the past two decades, it has grown beyond its original security concerns to address trade, connectivity, and cultural exchange across a vast region. For India, the SCO represents both opportunities and challenges: a platform to engage with powerful neighbors like China and Russia, while also advancing its role as a voice for the Global South.
In September 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 25th SCO Summit, emphasizing India’s approach to the organization. He described the SCO as a “bridge”—a vital connector for security, connectivity, and opportunity. His speech underlined India’s firm stance against terrorism, its advocacy for sustainable development, and its belief that the aspirations of the Global South cannot be confined within outdated frameworks.
For CLAT Current Affairs 2026, this development is highly significant. It links international law, diplomacy, and global governance. Aspirants preparing with the best online coaching for CLAT or through online coaching for CLAT must analyze India’s role in multilateral forums like SCO, as it directly connects to exam themes of international relations, security, and constitutional law.
Why in News
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a statement at the 25th SCO Summit in September 2025.
- He outlined India’s SCO policy based on three pillars: Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity (SCO).
- Modi criticized terrorism, stating it cannot be legitimized under any circumstances.
- He stressed the need for reforms in global institutions and called for an inclusive, multilateral world order.
- Modi positioned the SCO as a bridge for the Global South, helping developing nations secure a stronger voice in international governance.
- The address gains importance in light of India’s rising global stature and its balancing role between Eurasian powers and the West.
This makes the speech a key point for Current Affairs 2026, combining elements of diplomacy, strategy, and law.
Point-wise Summary of Modi’s Address
- Acknowledgement of Hosts
- Modi extended gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping for hosting the summit.
- He congratulated Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on their national days.
- SCO’s Role over 24 Years
- SCO has played a vital role in connecting Eurasia.
- India has contributed constructively as an active member.
- India’s Three-Pillar Approach to SCO (SCO)
- Security: Peace and stability are the foundations of development. Terrorism must be opposed unequivocally.
- Connectivity: Strong connectivity is essential for trade, growth, and cultural exchange.
- Opportunity: SCO must create opportunities for cooperation, reforms, and shared progress.
- Terrorism as a Global Threat
- India has borne the brunt of terrorism for four decades.
- Modi condemned recent heinous terrorist attacks in Pahalgam.
- He asserted: “Can the open support for terrorism by certain countries ever be acceptable?”
- India’s call: Zero tolerance for terrorism in every form.
- SCO as a Platform for the Global South
- Modi argued that confining the Global South’s aspirations to outdated frameworks denies justice to future generations.
- SCO can act as a guiding platform for inclusive multilateralism.
- India’s Past Contributions to SCO
- During India’s presidency in 2023, new avenues for cooperation were introduced—youth empowerment, inclusion, innovation, and traditional medicine.
- India consistently advocated for reform in international institutions.
- Call for Reforms in Global Governance
- Modi linked SCO’s vision to global reform efforts, particularly in the United Nations, which he said must evolve to remain relevant.
- India supports establishing new SCO centers for challenges like cybersecurity, organized crime, and drug trafficking.
- Conclusion of Speech
- Modi reaffirmed India’s constructive role.
- He highlighted SCO’s potential as a bridge between nations, economies, and civilizations.
- India seeks a just, inclusive, and sustainable global order.
Explanation of Peculiar Terms (Notes)
- SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation):
A Eurasian intergovernmental organization founded in 2001. Members include China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and several Central Asian countries. - Global South:
A term used to describe developing and emerging nations, mainly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, which often seek a greater voice in global governance. - Multilateralism:
A system of international relations where multiple countries work together on issues like trade, security, and environment, as opposed to unilateral or bilateral actions. - Pahalgam Attack:
A recent terrorist incident in Jammu & Kashmir’s Pahalgam region, referenced by Modi to highlight the human cost of terrorism. - RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure):
A permanent organ of the SCO, headquartered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, tasked with counter-terrorism cooperation.
CLAT-Oriented Analysis
- Relevance for CLAT Current Affairs 2026
- SCO is a recurring topic in competitive exams due to India’s membership and its strategic positioning between China, Russia, and the West.
- The themes of terrorism, international cooperation, and global governance reform directly connect to CLAT’s focus on legal and political issues.
- Legal Angle
- India’s anti-terrorism stance reflects constitutional duties under Article 51A (duty to renounce practices derogatory to dignity of women and promote harmony) and Article 51 (promotion of international peace and security).
- It also aligns with UN Security Council resolutions on counter-terrorism.
- Possible CLAT Questions
- What are the three pillars of India’s policy towards SCO?
- Which organization within SCO focuses on counter-terrorism?
- How does the SCO represent the interests of the Global South?
- What reforms has India proposed within SCO and UN frameworks?
- Strategic Implications
- SCO helps India engage with Central Asia, vital for energy security.
- It also provides a platform to counterbalance Chinese and Russian influence.
- By invoking the Global South, India positions itself as a leader of developing nations.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech at the 25th SCO Summit framed the organization as a bridge for the future—linking nations through security, connectivity, and opportunity. India’s strong stance against terrorism, advocacy for global reforms, and emphasis on the aspirations of the Global South underline its growing role in shaping the world order.
For students preparing for CLAT Current Affairs 2026, this development is crucial. It offers lessons in diplomacy, law, and multilateralism. Those learning through the best online coaching for CLAT or online coaching for CLAT must recognize how India uses international forums like SCO not just for security cooperation but also to project itself as a champion of inclusivity and reform in global governance.
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