SCO Council of Heads of State

SCO

Technical Data

Date of Issue June 15, 2023
Denomination Rs. 5
Quantity 203,100
Perforation 14
Printer Security Printing Press, Hyderabad
Printing Process Wet Offset
Watermark No Watermark
Colors Multicolor
Credit (Designed By) Ms. Nenu Gupta
Catalog Codes

Yvert et Tellier IN 3556

Stanley Gibbons IN 3858

Colnect codes IN 2023.06.15-01

Michel IN 3897

Themes Conferences | Diplomacy | Globes | Seals(Emblems)

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.

First Day Cover