As external forces had started a “hybrid war” and imposed “illegitimate sanctions” on Russia, the country would “continue to resist external pressure, sanctions and provocation”, he vowed.
Russian people ‘united as never before’, Putin tells SCO leaders in first international event since Wagner mutiny
Terror threats – a long-time concern of the regional grouping – was also part of the discussion, with summit chair Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighting the need for “decisive action”.
“We have to fight together against terrorism in any form or manifestation,” Modi said in his opening remarks. “Terrorism has become a threat to regional, global peace.”
The leaders, including Modi and Xi, also stressed the importance for the SCO to provide humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, where terrorist activities since the Taliban takeover about two years ago have sparked concerns about spillover effects on the rest of the region.
Afghanistan should not be allowed to be used as a base to destabilise the region, Modi said, while Xi urged the SCO to “continue to play the role of a coordination platform for Afghanistan’s neighbours … and help Afghanistan to establish an inclusive political structure”.
The leaders also welcomed Iran to the fold. With its full membership finalised at the summit, this is the first time the heavily sanctioned country has been admitted to a regional group since 1979.
Iran became an SCO observer in 2005 and signed a memorandum of commitment in September to become a permanent member.
Modi said he was “extremely happy” Iran was joining as a new member, and signalled a similar pathway for Belarus, another Russian ally and SCO observer in line for full membership.
The heads of six international and regional organisations, including the United Nations, Asean, and the Commonwealth of Independent States – made up of former Soviet republics – were also invited to the summit.
The meeting was held in person last year and a combination of online and in person in 2021. Chair country India did not say why the event was not held in person this year.
SCO foreign ministers met in the Indian state of Goa in May while the defence ministers met in April in New Delhi to prepare for the summit.
No SCO member state has voted against Russia in UN resolutions since the invasion of Ukraine nearly 500 days ago.
