SCO & QUAD (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: The Foreign Minister of India is expected to take part in both Quad and Russia and China-led SCO meetings on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly later this month, marking his first overseas visit following the G20 summit in Delhi that recently took place.

Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)

• About: It is also known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or simply the Quad, is a strategic forum.
• Countries: United States, Japan, India, and Australia.
• Aim: To promote regional security and economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Origin of QUAD Concept: It was initially proposed by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007. Nevertheless, the initiative faced obstacles as Australia withdrew from it, seemingly influenced by Chinese pressure, which hindered its progress.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

• About: It is a permanent intergovernmental international organisation of Eurasian Nations with a secretariat in Beijing.
• Formation: 15 June 2001 by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
• Members: China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
• Headquarter: Shanghai (China)
• Aim: It is a political, economic and military organisation that aims at maintaining peace, security and stability in the region.