INTRODUCTION

• The 2024 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, brought together regional leaders, with India playing a prominent role as the External Affairs Minister delivered the Prime Minister's message emphasizing the importance of combating terrorism and addressing climate change as key priorities.

Key Highlights of SCO Summit 2024

• New Membership: 

• Belarus has become the 10th member state of the SCO. The Indian External Affairs Minister met with the Belarusian counterpart to strengthen bilateral ties.

• Astana Declaration: 

• The 24th SCO Summit in Astana adopted the Astana Declaration and approved 25 strategic agreements covering energy, security, trade, finance, and information security.

• The Council of Heads of State adopted the SCO Development Strategy until 2035. 

• This includes resolutions on combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism, as well as strategies for anti-drug efforts, energy cooperation, economic development, and cooperation in protected areas and eco-tourism.

• The summit also included signing a memorandum to combat illicit drug trafficking and an interaction plan on international information security issues.

• India’s Dialogue:

• India-China Relations at SCO Summit:

• The Indian External Affairs Minister met with the Chinese Foreign Minister at the SCO Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan.

• Both emphasised the urgent need for "complete disengagement" of troops and restoring peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

• Agreement reached to expedite diplomatic and military channels to resolve remaining issues in Eastern Ladakh.

• Make in India and Global Economic Growth:

• 'Make in India' initiative highlighted at the SCO Summit as a potential catalyst for global economic growth.

• India expressed openness to partnering with Global South nations for capacity building and economic development.

• Combatting Terrorism:

• India urged the global community at the SCO Summit to isolate countries supporting terrorism.

• Emphasis on countering cross-border terrorism and reaffirmation of SCO's role in combating terrorism.

WHAT IS SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANISATION (SCO)?

• The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is an intergovernmental organisation founded in 2001. 

• It focuses on political, economic, and security-related cooperation among its member states, primarily located in Asia. 

• The SCO aims to promote regional stability, peace, and cooperation. It addresses various issues, including counter-terrorism, economic collaboration, cultural exchange, and regional security.

• SCO Secretariat is based in Beijing, China.

• Founding Members: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

As of 2024, the current members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) are:

1. China

2. Russia

3. Kazakhstan

4. Kyrgyzstan

5. Tajikistan

6. Uzbekistan

7. India (joined in 2017)

8. Pakistan (joined in 2017)

9. Iran (joined in 2023)

10. Belarus (joined in 2024)

AIM (GURU prasad diagram)

• Strengthening mutual trust and neighbourly relations among member states

• Promoting effective cooperation in various spheres: political, economic, trade, cultural, education, energy, transport, etc. 

• Jointly maintaining and safeguarding peace, security, and stability in the region

• Fostering creation of a democratic, fair, and rational international order

SIGNIFICANCE

• Security Focus and Asian Membership:

• The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is one of the few international organisations that address security issues and primarily consists of Asian members.

• Example: 

• The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a permanent organ of the SCO established to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism within member states.

• Geopolitical Dynamics:

• Along with the BRICS grouping (which includes India, South Africa, and Brazil), Russia and China position themselves against US influence.

• Despite recent declarations of a "limitless friendship" between China and Russia, there is a sense of competition between them for greater influence in the SCO.

• Central Asian Influence:

• Central Asian republics have traditionally been part of Russia's sphere of influence.

• China leverages investments in oil and gas-rich Central Asian nations through massive infrastructure projects, as part of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), to gain influence.

• India and Pakistan's Inclusion:

• India and Pakistan were included in the SCO in 2017, reflecting the geopolitical jostling.

• Russia supported India's entry as a strategic partner, while China backed its ally Pakistan to prevent a shift in power balance towards Russia.

• Iran's Inclusion:

• In 2023, Chinese state media noted that Iran's inclusion in the SCO would enhance the organisation's international status and influence.

• For Iran, joining the SCO is a step towards breaking the US diplomatic blockade.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR INDIA

• Regional Cooperation and Connectivity:

• SCO membership provides India with a platform to enhance cooperation with Central Asian countries, which historically have not had extensive bilateral relations with India.

• Economic Opportunities:

• Being part of the SCO opens avenues for economic cooperation, including trade, investment, and infrastructure development projects under frameworks like the SCO Business Council and Interbank Consortium.

• Geopolitical Influence:

• Membership in the SCO allows India to engage diplomatically with key regional players like Russia and China on common security concerns and geopolitical issues.

• It helps India maintain communication channels with countries crucial to its strategic interests in Eurasia.

• Counter-Terrorism and Security:

• Participation in SCO initiatives strengthens India's capabilities in combating terrorism, extremism, and drug trafficking through joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and coordinated efforts under RATS.

• Strategic Partnerships:

• SCO membership enhances India's stature as a responsible regional and global actor committed to peace, stability, and development in Eurasia.

• It provides a platform for India to assert its interests and perspectives on global issues such as climate change, energy security, and sustainable development.

CHALLENGES FACED BY INDIA IN SCO

• Tense Relations with Member States:

• China: India's border disputes and strategic rivalry with China, particularly the ongoing tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), create friction within the SCO.

• Pakistan: Historical and ongoing conflicts with Pakistan, including issues related to cross-border terrorism and Kashmir, complicate cooperation within the SCO framework.

• Differing Strategic Interests:

• BRI and CPEC: India opposes the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, viewing it as a violation of its territorial sovereignty. This opposition can limit India's engagement with certain SCO economic initiatives.

• Balancing Relations:

• Russia and China: While India has strong historical ties with Russia, it needs to balance its relationship with both Russia and China, who have their own strategic partnership and occasionally conflicting interests.

• Central Asian Republics: India seeks to deepen its ties with Central Asian nations, which are traditionally within Russia's sphere of influence but increasingly targeted by China's economic initiatives.

• Operational and Institutional Challenges:

• Consensus-Based Decision Making: The SCO operates on a consensus basis, which can slow down decision-making processes and make it difficult to address contentious issues effectively.

• Limited Enforcement Mechanisms: The SCO lacks robust mechanisms for enforcing agreements and resolutions, which can limit the effectiveness of its initiatives.

• Perception of Bias:

• Neutrality of SCO: There are concerns about the neutrality and effectiveness of the SCO in addressing security issues impartially, given the dominant roles of China and Russia.

• Inclusivity and Expansion:

• New Members: The inclusion of new members like Iran could bring additional complexities and require adjustments in India's strategic approach within the organisation.

• Internal Dynamics: The internal dynamics and varying priorities of member states can pose challenges to cohesive and unified action within the SCO.

WAY FORWARD

Strengthening Bilateral Relations:

• Engage Central Asian Countries: Deepen bilateral ties with Central Asian nations through economic, cultural, and strategic initiatives to build trust and cooperation.

• Manage Relations with China and Pakistan: Continue diplomatic efforts to manage tensions with China and Pakistan, using the SCO platform for dialogue and conflict resolution.

Active Participation and Leadership:

• Lead Counter-Terrorism Efforts: Take a proactive role in SCO's counter-terrorism initiatives, leveraging RATS to enhance regional security and intelligence sharing.

• Economic Initiatives: Actively participate in SCO's economic forums and initiatives, proposing projects that align with India's interests and benefit the region.

Promoting Multilateralism and Balance:

• Neutral Stance: Advocate for a balanced and neutral approach within the SCO, ensuring that no single country dominates the agenda.

• Strengthen Alliances: Collaborate with like-minded countries within the SCO to promote a multipolar world order and balance China's influence.

Focus on Connectivity Projects:

• International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC): Promote the INSTC as an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative, enhancing connectivity between India, Central Asia, and beyond.

• Chabahar Port: Develop and utilise the Chabahar Port in Iran to improve trade routes and access to Central Asian markets.

Leveraging Soft Power:

• Cultural Diplomacy: Promote cultural exchanges, educational programs, and people-to-people contacts to build goodwill and strengthen ties with SCO countries.

• Technology and Innovation: Showcase India's strengths in technology and innovation, proposing collaborative projects in areas such as digital economy, space exploration, and sustainable development.

  
  

---

• SHORT TAKE

  • Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS):

  • It is a permanent organ of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

  • RATS coordinates joint counter-terrorism activities, shares intelligence, and conducts training exercises to enhance the collective security of SCO member states.

  • SCO RATS is based in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.

  • SCO Interbank Consortium:

  • Facilitates financial and banking cooperation among member states.

  • Consists of major banks from each member country.

CONCLUSION

The SCO presents a significant opportunity for India to enhance its economic and political relations with Eurasian countries. However, the organisation faces several challenges. Overcoming these challenges necessitates continuous dialogue, building trust,

Tags:
Polity

Keywords:
SCO CHINA IR MULTILATERALISM