India to Host First SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum

India will host the first Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Civilisational Dialogue Forum by the end of 2026. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced the plan on 20 October 2026 at the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, and invited all member countries to participate.

SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum

Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed creating the forum at the SCO summit in Tianjin in 2025. Its stated aims include strengthening people-to-people ties and sharing the heritage of ancient civilisations, art, literature and traditions. The forum is designed as a platform for dialogue among SCO member countries.

The initiative forms part of the organisation’s broader programme of cooperation. India has been a full member of the SCO since 2017 and participates in its mechanisms. The 2026 announcement was made during the Council of Heads of Government meeting, attended by representatives of member states.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

The SCO is a Eurasian intergovernmental organisation established in 2001. Its membership includes India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran and Belarus. The organisation’s two official languages are Chinese and Russian. Its permanent bodies include the Secretariat in Beijing and the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) Executive Committee in Tashkent.

The Council of Heads of Government (CHG) is an SCO mechanism responsible for promoting economic and other practical cooperation among member states. At its 25th meeting in Dushanbe on 20 October 2026, the heads of delegation adopted a joint communiqué that included the SCO budget for 2027 and the PMTEC Action Plan for 2026–2030.

India’s SCO Engagement

India’s stated vision for the SCO includes security, connectivity and opportunity. At the Dushanbe meeting, Singh also referred to India’s International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Mission LiFE and Global Biofuel Alliance as initiatives related to clean energy, climate resilience and sustainable consumption.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was established in 2001.
• The SCO Secretariat is located in Beijing, China.
• The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure Executive Committee is located in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
• India became a full member of the SCO in 2017.

The first SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum is scheduled to take place in India by the end of 2026. The 25th SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting took place in Dushanbe on 20 October 2026.