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Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Meeting: India’s Strategic Refusal

24.06.2025

 

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Meeting: India’s Strategic Refusal

 

Context:         
In a recent SCO meeting hosted by China, India refused to sign the final joint statement.

About the News:

  • India declined to sign the SCO joint declaration.
    This decision was based on the exclusion of India's key security concerns.
  • The statement focused only on Balochistan attacks.
    Ignoring Indian concerns like Pahalgam highlighted selective acknowledgment of terrorism.
  • NSA Ajit Doval and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended.
    Their presence underscored India’s active involvement despite disagreement.

 

About SCO :

  • Established in 2001 from the earlier 'Shanghai Five'.
     It began as a China-led regional initiative focused on security cooperation.
  • Consists of 10 permanent members

Permanent Member :  Belarus,China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan ,Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan

Observer Member: Afghanistan, Mongolia
 Represents a vast geographical and economic space.

  • Aims to fight terrorism and promote regional peace.
     Security cooperation, especially via RATS, is a core focus.
  • RATS headquartered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
     It coordinates intelligence and counter-terror operations among members.
  • Official languages are Chinese and Russian.
     Reflects the dominance of founding members in SCO’s functioning.
  • SCO’s collective GDP is around $23 trillion.
     Economic integration is emerging as a parallel goal.


Significance of SCO

  • Strategic Security Platform
    SCO provides a joint mechanism to tackle terrorism, extremism, and separatism, enhancing regional stability through military cooperation and coordinated anti-terror operations like the “Peace Mission.”
  • Large Geopolitical Influence
    With over 40% of the world’s population and vast land coverage, SCO is a powerful bloc influencing Eurasian geopolitics, economy, and security policies.
  • Promotes Economic and Energy Cooperation
     The organization facilitates regional trade, energy dialogue, and investment connectivity, promoting shared growth among members through projects in transport, infrastructure, and financial integration.
  • Boosts Regional Connectivity
     SCO supports cross-border infrastructure and transport corridors, aligning with initiatives like China’s BRI and India’s interest in linking with Central Asian and Eurasian markets.
  • Encourages Multilateral Diplomacy
     It offers a platform for India and others to engage in multilateral diplomacy, balance rivalries, and pursue strategic interests beyond bilateral limitations.

 

Challenges:

  • Selective focus on terrorism damages credibility.
     E.g., Ignoring Pahalgam attack undermines the anti-terrorism agenda.
  • China-Pakistan alignment often isolates Indian concerns.
     E.g., Belt and Road Initiative opposed by India remains a divide.
  • Pakistan's inclusion conflicts with anti-terror goals.
     E.g., Its record on harboring terror groups weakens collective efforts.
  • Language and political alignment marginalize Indian proposals.
     E.g., Official use of Chinese and Russian limits inclusive dialogue.
     

Way Forward:

  • Push for a balanced narrative on terrorism.
     E.g., Insist on inclusion of all relevant attacks in SCO reports.
  • Strengthen India’s strategic partnerships within SCO.
     E.g., Deepen ties with Central Asian countries and Russia.
  • Demand reforms in decision-making processes.
     E.g., Advocate for multilingual official communications.
  • Highlight India's democratic and anti-terror credentials.
     E.g., Showcase India's success in neutralizing cross-border threats.
     

Conclusion:
 India’s refusal to sign the SCO joint statement marks a significant diplomatic assertion against selective narratives on terrorism. As a responsible member, India is committed to regional cooperation, but not at the cost of national security and principled diplomacy. Moving forward, India is likely to play a more proactive role in shaping SCO’s direction towards genuine multilateralism and security cooperation.

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