Iran becomes 9th permanent member in 23rd summit of SCO Council
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Iran as the newest member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on 4 July 2023 at the group's virtual summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and the people of Iran on the country becoming a full member of the influential grouping.
Prior to Iran's joining, the SCO consisted of eight member states: China, Russia, India, Pakistan and four Central Asian countries Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its permanent members in 2017.
Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia have observer status in the SCO, while six other countries – Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, Nepal, Turkey and Sri Lanka – have dialogue partner status.
The grouping came into existence in Shanghai in 2001 with six members excluding India and Pakistan. Its primary objective was to enhance regional cooperation in efforts to curb terrorism, separatism and extremism in the Central Asian region.
