Context

At the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting held in Qingdao, China, India declined to endorse the joint declaration, citing dissatisfaction with the language used—particularly the omission of references to cross-border terrorism and the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

As a result, the meeting concluded without issuing a joint communique, highlighting ongoing disagreements within the bloc.

About the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

• Origin:
  The SCO evolved from the “Shanghai Five” formed in 1996, comprising China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, focusing on border demarcation and demilitarization.
• Expansion:
  With Uzbekistan joining in 2001, the group was renamed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
• Primary Objective:
  To strengthen regional cooperation against terrorism, separatism, and extremism, particularly in Central Asia.

Membership and Structure

• Members:
  China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
• Observers:
  Afghanistan and Mongolia.
• Official Languages:
  Russian and Chinese.
• Key Bodies:
  • Council of Heads of State (CHS): Supreme decision-making body; meets annually.
  • Secretariat: Based in Beijing.
  • Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS): Executive committee based in Tashkent, focused on counter-terrorism.
• India’s Role:
  India joined as a full member in 2017 and held the rotating chairmanship in 2023.
• Global Relevance:
  SCO nations account for around 30% of global GDP and 40% of the world’s population.

Significance of SCO for India

• Regional Security:
  The SCO offers India a multilateral platform to address terrorism and regional security concerns. India engages in counter-terror efforts through RATS.
• Strategic Balance:
  With both China and Pakistan as members, India leverages the forum to assert its interests and counterbalance hostile narratives.
• Energy Security:
  Central Asia's rich energy resources (oil, gas, uranium) make the SCO a crucial link in India’s quest for energy diversification.
• Economic Opportunities:
  SCO fosters economic cooperation, enabling India to expand trade and investment in Central Asia.

• Central Asia Outreach:
  The SCO enhances India’s engagement with Central Asia—a region of strategic interest where India lacks direct geographical access.

Challenges for India within SCO

• China-Pakistan Axis:
  Their close coordination sometimes sidelines India’s concerns, especially regarding terrorism.
• Geopolitical Strains:
  Bilateral tensions with China and Pakistan often spill into SCO forums, limiting constructive dialogue.
• Security-Dominant Focus:
  Economic and developmental issues, key to India’s regional goals, often take a backseat to security concerns.
• Consensus-Based Decision-Making:
  Institutional structure makes progress slow and difficult on contentious issues.

Conclusion

The SCO remains a strategic multilateral platform for India to pursue its regional and global interests—ranging from security cooperation and counter-terrorism to economic connectivity and energy partnerships.

Despite internal challenges, India continues to use the forum to advance its vision of “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR) and counterbalance Western-dominated alliances.

Source: All India Radio (AIR)