The virtual summit, convened under India's presidency of the SCO, aims to address critical regional security concerns and explore avenues for enhancing connectivity and trade among member countries. This landmark gathering will mark President Putin's first multilateral summit since a recent armed rebellion by a mercenary group sent shockwaves through Moscow.

Notably, the summit will also witness Iran's formal induction as the newest permanent member of the SCO, further bolstering the organization's influence on the global stage. Discussions during the event are expected to encompass a wide range of topics, including the situation in Afghanistan, the ongoing Ukraine conflict, and strategies for strengthening cooperation among SCO member nations. Additionally, leaders will focus on boosting connectivity and trade, recognizing the immense potential for economic collaboration within the bloc.

The backdrop of the longstanding border standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh adds further significance to the summit. Coming just two weeks after Prime Minister Modi's high-profile visit to the United States, this virtual gathering presents a unique opportunity for key stakeholders to address bilateral concerns and foster greater regional stability.

The SCO, consisting of India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, has emerged as a pivotal economic and security bloc, becoming one of the largest transregional international organizations. India assumed the rotating chairmanship of the SCO in September last year, cementing its commitment to promoting cooperation and development within the region.

Under Prime Minister Modi's visionary leadership, the summit will be guided by the theme "Towards a SECURE SCO." This acronym, coined by Prime Minister Modi at the 2018 SCO summit, encapsulates the core pillars of the organization: Security, Economy and Trade, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity, and Environment. The virtual gathering aims to advance these principles while fostering greater collaboration and understanding among member nations.

The historic summit will not only feature the heads of the SCO secretariat and the SCO RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure) but also six international and regional organizations. Among the distinguished invitees are the United Nations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA). This diverse representation underscores the SCO's commitment to fostering broader regional cooperation.

India's presidency of the SCO has witnessed remarkable strides across various domains. New Delhi has spearheaded the establishment of five new pillars for cooperation within the organization, focusing on startups and innovation, traditional medicine, digital inclusion, youth empowerment, and shared Buddhist heritage. These initiatives have been met with enthusiasm and are poised to make significant contributions to the SCO's future endeavors.

Guided by Prime Minister Modi's vision of Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam, which espouses the belief that the world is one family, India has placed a strong emphasis on cultivating people-to-people connections. The summit will provide a platform to further deepen these bonds, building bridges of understanding and cooperation among diverse cultures and societies.