About this stamp
About the SCO
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a multilateral regional organisation established on 15 June 2001 in Shanghai. Today, the SCO has eight Member States – China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The organisation promotes cooperation in the fields of security, economy, culture, connectivity, and people-to-people relations, making it one of the most significant platforms in Eurasia.
India and the SCO
India’s association with the SCO began in 2005 as an Observer State, and it became a full Member on 9 June 2017 during the Astana Summit.
For India, the SCO is an important forum to strengthen multilateralism and regional cooperation in peace, security, trade, culture, and connectivity. While its membership is recent, India’s civilizational, historical and geographical bonds with SCO countries date back centuries, making them natural partners in the region.
India’s Chairmanship of SCO
On 17 September 2022, India assumed the Chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State, the organisation’s highest decision-making body, taking over from Uzbekistan. This marked a historic milestone as India chaired the body for the first time.
Under India’s Chairmanship, the 23rd session of the SCO Council of Heads of State was hosted by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 4 July 2023.
Theme: Towards a SECURE SCO
India’s vision for its Chairmanship was encapsulated in the theme “Towards a SECURE SCO”, with each letter representing a priority area:
- S – Security for citizens
- E – Economic development
- C – Connectivity in the region
- U – Unity among nations
- R – Respect for sovereignty and integrity
- E – Environment protection
Major Initiatives
During its tenure as Chair, India hosted numerous meetings and events covering foreign affairs, defence, environment, commerce, tourism, and culture.
- Varanasi (Kashi) was designated the first-ever Cultural and Tourist Capital of SCO (2022–23).
- A wide range of seminars, workshops, conferences, and cultural activities were organised across India, with enthusiastic participation from all Member States.
Commemorative Stamp
To mark this landmark moment, the Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp celebrating India’s first-ever Chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State, highlighting India’s commitment to building a more secure, united, and prosperous regional future.
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