Leaders of China, Russia and India are among heads of state meeting in Kyrgyzstan

Key Points:

• The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Kyrgyzstan brings together leaders from China, Russia, India, and other member states, serving as a platform to counterbalance U.S. global influence.
• Key meetings include one between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, as well as talks between Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, highlighting Russia and Iran's efforts to strengthen ties amid their conflicts with the West.
• Founded in 2001 as a security forum, the SCO has expanded to 10 member countries and aims to offer an alternative to Western-aligned groups, with China pushing for greater influence and development assistance within the organization.
• Despite presenting a united front, SCO members have significant disagreements and distinct interests; for India, participation is largely about strategic signaling and maintaining influence amid regional rivalries, particularly with China and Pakistan.
• Turkey, a dialogue partner since 2012, seeks to leverage the SCO to bolster its regional influence while balancing its traditional Western ties, with President Erdogan expressing interest in full SCO membership as part of Turkey's broader foreign policy goals.