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Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
Context:
In a significant visit, India’s External Affairs Minister is set to travel to Islamabad to attend the Heads of Government meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), marking the first such trip in nearly a decade.
More on News:
- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that the visit is primarily focused on the SCO, with no bilateral meetings planned at this stage.
- The last visit by an Indian External Affairs Minister to Pakistan was in 2015 when Sushma Swaraj attended the Heart of Asia conference and held bilateral talks.
- Officials emphasised the visit is based on “reciprocity,” as Pakistan’s former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto had participated in the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Goa in May 2023, despite ongoing bilateral tensions.
About Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO):
- It is a prominent intergovernmental organisation established in 2001, primarily aimed at fostering political, economic, and security cooperation among its member states.
- Formation: The SCO originated from the Shanghai Five, which included China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan.
- In 2001, Uzbekistan joined, leading to the establishment of the SCO.
- Objectives: The organisation aims to enhance regional stability and security, promote economic cooperation, and strengthen cultural ties among member states.
- Membership: As of now, the SCO consists of nine member states.
- Founding Members: China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan.
- Recent Additions: India and Pakistan joined in June 2017, and Iran became a full member in July 2023.
- Observer States and Dialogue Partners: The SCO also includes several observer states (like Mongolia and Belarus) and dialogue partners (such as Turkey and Sri Lanka), expanding its influence in the region.
- Decision-Making Bodies:
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- Heads of State Council (HSC): The supreme decision-making body that meets annually to discuss major issues.
- Heads of Government Council (HGC): Focuses on economic cooperation and budgetary matters.
- Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs: Handles day-to-day operations.
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- Permanent Bodies:
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- SCO Secretariat: Located in Beijing, it provides administrative support.
- Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS): Based in Tashkent, it focuses on combating terrorism and extremism.
- Goals: The SCO aims to:
- Strengthen mutual trust and neighbourliness among member states.
- Promote effective cooperation in various fields such as trade, politics, culture, and security.
- Ensure peace and stability in the region through collaborative efforts.
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- Significance:
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- The SCO is considered one of the largest regional organisations globally by geographic scope and population, covering about 80% of Eurasia and approximately 40% of the world’s population.
- It plays a crucial role in counterbalancing Western influence in the region and is seen as a platform for fostering multipolarity in international relations.
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- Challenges: Despite its potential, the SCO faces several challenges:
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- Balancing diverse interests among its members, particularly between major powers like China, Russia, and India.
- Addressing security concerns stemming from instability in Afghanistan.
- Achieving tangible economic cooperation comparable to other regional organisations like ASEAN or the EU.
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Importance for India:
Economic Cooperation:
- Access to Central Asian Markets: The SCO serves as a platform for India to enhance trade and investment ties with Central Asian countries, which are rich in natural resources.
- Energy Security: Through the SCO, India can engage with these energy-rich nations to ensure its energy security, which is vital for its growing economy.
- Counterterrorism Efforts: The SCO’s focus on counterterrorism (RATS) aligns with India’s concerns over terrorism, particularly from state-sponsored sources.
Geopolitical Influence:
- Strategic Reach: Membership in the SCO enhances India’s strategic presence in Central Asia, a region that is increasingly important due to its geopolitical dynamics involving major powers like China and Russia.
- Balancing China: The SCO provides a forum for India to engage with China within a multilateral framework, allowing for dialogue on contentious issues while also countering China’s influence in the region.
- Cultural and People-to-People Connections: The SCO promotes cultural cooperation among member states, which can enhance India’s soft power in Central Asia. Initiatives like designating cultural capitals facilitate deeper cultural ties and mutual understanding.
- Infrastructure Development: India can leverage the SCO to participate in infrastructure projects that enhance connectivity between South Asia and Central Asia, such as the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
- Strengthening Multilateralism: India’s active participation in the SCO reflects its commitment to a multipolar world order and multilateralism, contrasting with unilateral actions by major powers. This aligns with India’s broader foreign policy goals of strategic autonomy.