Context:

The 2024 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, convened in Islamabad, marked a significant event in international diplomacy, bringing together major regional powers to confront a range of pressing geopolitical and economic challenges. This year's summit not only highlighted the collective influence of these nations, representing a substantial portion of the world's population and GDP but also underscored the evolving dynamics of regional cooperation.

·        India, as a prominent participant, emphasized its commitment to enhancing regional stability and fostering collaboration through multilateral mechanisms. The summit also witnessed India’s vision for regional security, the importance of multilateralism, and the need for economic integration, reflecting the shared aspirations of SCO member states for a balanced and multipolar world order.

About Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO):

·        The SCO's origins lie in the “Shanghai Five,” formed in 1996 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. This grouping was created to address security concerns in the region following the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, which raised fears about extremist religious groups and ethnic tensions.

·        The SCO was formally established on June 15, 2001, in Shanghai, adding Uzbekistan as a sixth member. With the recent inclusion of Belarus, the SCO now comprises nine members: India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Afghanistan and Mongolia hold Observer Status.

Significance of the SCO:

·         Security Cooperation: The SCO is one of the few international organizations primarily focused on security issues among its Asian members. Regional powers Russia and China have positioned the SCO as an alternative to a Western-dominated international order, particularly in light of their increasing competition with the United States.

·         Geopolitical Dynamics: Despite their declared "limitless friendship," China and Russia compete for influence within the SCO. Central Asian republics, traditionally within Russia’s sphere of influence, have become the focus of China's economic initiatives, especially through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

·         Recent Developments: The inclusion of India and Pakistan in 2017 highlighted the complex geopolitical dynamics, with Russia supporting India's membership while China backed Pakistan to maintain a balance of power.

·         Expansion Context: The SCO's recent expansion can be understood against the backdrop of deteriorating U.S. relations with Russia and China, especially following the 2022 Russia-Ukraine War and trade tensions initiated during the Trump administration.

Challenges within the SCO:

·         Limited Tangible Outcomes: Analysts point out that the SCO’s initiatives often lack concrete results. The organization embraces countries with conflicting interests, like India and Pakistan, which complicates cooperation on shared initiatives.

·         Ambiguity of Initiatives: The vague language of many SCO initiatives allows member countries to endorse them superficially while continuing to pursue their own national interests. This has led to skepticism regarding the effectiveness of the organization in resolving internal conflicts among members.

Key Themes from India's Statement at the SCO Summit:

1.    Combating Terrorism and Regional Security
A principal focus for India within the SCO has been the fight against terrorism. In summit, India emphasized strong need for collective action among SCO members to counter terrorism, separatism, and extremism, particularly in light of rising instability in the region, including ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan and Central Asia.

·        The reference to cross-border terrorism, especially from specific neighboring countries, served as an important reminder of India's security challenges.

2.    Promoting Economic Integration and Trade
India underscored the significant economic potential of enhanced cooperation among SCO members. The discourse highlighted the benefits of trade, energy flows, and connectivity projects that could transform the regional landscape.

·        India views the SCO as a vital platform for fostering economic ties with Central Asia, which is essential for its energy security and trade aspirations.

·        Initiatives such as the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) align with the SCO's objectives of enhancing regional connectivity.

3.    Sovereignty and Respect for Territorial Integrity
A key message articulated during the summit was the principle of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, which is vital for maintaining peace and stability amid rising tensions among some SCO members. It was emphasized that cooperation should honor the sovereignty of all nations involved, subtly addressing ongoing territorial disputes in the region.

4.    Climate Change and Sustainable Development
India's commitment to global leadership on climate action emerged as a significant theme.

·        Initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) were highlighted as integral to addressing regional environmental challenges.

India's Role in the Reform of Global Institutions:

·        India’s call for multilateral reform, particularly of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), was another critical part of the 2024 SCO summit. The need for reforms to make global institutions more representative and effective was emphasized.

·        India has advocated for a more inclusive UNSC, particularly in giving greater representation to developing countries. This also aligns with the SCO’s broader agenda of promoting a more equitable world order, and India's advocacy for this reform underscores its commitment to reshaping global governance​

Challenges within the SCO Framework:

• Despite its potential, the SCO faces challenges, especially in terms of internal divisions. The tensions between India and Pakistan, both SCO members, continue to hinder some of the organization’s goals. The divergent interests of key players like China and Russia also complicate the consensus-building process.
  • For instance, China's growing influence in Central Asia through projects like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) sometimes clashes with India's own connectivity aspirations​
• Nonetheless, the summit demonstrated that the SCO remains a critical platform for regional dialogue. India’s active participation is a testament to its commitment to fostering regional cooperation despite the inherent challenges.
• The potential expansion of the SCO, with countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt showing interest, also signals new opportunities for India to engage with a broader range of partners​

Conclusion: India's Vision for a Multipolar World

The 2024 SCO Summit highlighted India’s strategic priorities in Eurasian geopolitics, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation, security, and sustainable development. As the global order shifts towards multipolarity, India's role within the SCO is set to grow. By advocating for multilateralism, sovereignty, and climate action, India is positioning itself as a key player in shaping the future of the region.