25th Meeting of Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Held in Tajikistan

Foreign trade and economic ministers from Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states gathered in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on 17 September 2026 for their 25th ministerial meeting. The discussions focused on deepening trade cooperation and strengthening economic ties across the bloc, with India presenting a clear vision for the future of intra-SCO commerce.

Key Details of the 25th Meeting of SCO Ministers' Meeting

1. Location: Dushanbe, Tajikistan
2. Chairperson: Abdurahmon Abdurahmonzoda, Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Tajikistan
3. India's Representative: Shri Yashvir Singh, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce
4. Next Meeting: To be held in 2027 in the Republic of Uzbekistan

Major Highlights & Outcomes of 25th Meeting of SCO

Regulations on the Special Working Group

Ministers formally approved regulations setting up a Special Working Group dedicated to developing the creative economy across SCO nations, opening a new avenue for cooperation beyond traditional trade sectors.

Digitalisation in Trade

A strong push was made toward simplifying customs procedures and moving trade documentation online. Ministers agreed that paperless systems and electronic document exchange could significantly cut both the cost and time involved in cross-border trade.

Action Plan 2026–2030

Member states finalised an Action Plan spanning 2026 to 2030, designed to guide the implementation of the SCO's broader multilateral trade and economic cooperation programme. This plan now awaits approval from the Council of Heads of Government.

Creative Economy

Beyond regulations, ministers acknowledged the creative economy as an emerging area worth nurturing, signalling that SCO cooperation is expanding into newer, less conventional sectors of trade.

India Highlights Three Pillars for International Trade

Speaking on India's behalf, Shri Yashvir Singh built on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision from the Bishkek SCO Summit, outlining three core pillars:

Security

India stressed the need for resilient and diversified supply chains, particularly in critical sectors like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, and electronics.

Connectivity

India called for stronger multimodal transport links, reduced transit times, and dependable trade routes connecting SCO economies more efficiently.

Opportunity

India highlighted expanding market access for businesses, especially MSMEs and start-ups, through better digital payment systems and accessible trade finance, while reaffirming support for an open, rules-based trading system anchored in the WTO.