Why is it in the news?

• The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) heads of government meeting in Pakistan was attended by India, Pakistan, China, Russia, and six other member countries.
• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made his first visit to Islamabad in nine years for the summit.

Key Takeaways

• India stands alone among SCO members in opposing China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) due to territorial sovereignty issues, while the summit’s joint communique reaffirmed support for the BRI.
• The summit criticized Western sanctions on Russia and Iran, describing them as harmful to international trade and economic relations.
• There were discussions between India and Pakistan suggesting a possible resumption of cricket ties, though these talks remain preliminary.
• Jaishankar pointed out that activities characterized by terrorism and extremism hinder trade, energy flows, and connectivity.

Background on the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

• The SCO began as the Shanghai Five in 1996, formed from border demarcation talks between four former USSR republics and China: Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan.
• The group was renamed the SCO in 2001 with Uzbekistan’s accession.
• Objective: The SCO aims to enhance regional cooperation to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism in Central Asia.
• Members: The organization includes China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus, and the Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
• Observer Status: Afghanistan and Mongolia hold observer status.
• Language: The official languages are Russian and Chinese.
• Structure: The Council of Heads of States (CHS) serves as the supreme decision-making body, meeting annually, and the organization has two standing bodies: the Secretariat in Beijing and the Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent.

Significance for India

• Regional Security: The SCO provides a platform for addressing significant security challenges, such as terrorism and extremism, which are critical for India’s national interests.
• Economic Cooperation: The organization fosters economic collaboration among member states, enhancing trade and investment opportunities for India, especially with Central Asian countries.
• Geopolitical Influence: India’s membership in the SCO bolsters its influence in Central Asia and serves to counterbalance the roles of China and Pakistan in the region.
• Focus on Central Asia: The SCO’s emphasis on Central Asia aligns with India’s goal of strengthening ties, despite geographical constraints. Jaishankar’s visit aims to reinforce India’s commitment to partnership in the region.

Challenges

• China-Pakistan Axis: The strong collaboration between China and Pakistan within the SCO complicates India’s strategic positioning and limits its influence in security discussions.
• Geopolitical Tensions: Ongoing border disputes and geopolitical tensions with China and Pakistan hinder India’s ability to engage constructively within the SCO framework.
• Security vs. Economic Development: The SCO’s focus on security issues can overshadow important economic and developmental cooperation that India seeks in the region.

Conclusion

• India must carefully navigate the shifting dynamics within the SCO. Jaishankar’s visit highlights India’s commitment to the organization and its goals, rather than an effort to deepen ties with Pakistan.