Regional Priorities

Context: India hosted the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Heads of Governments (HoG) meeting for the first time.

Areas of differences under the SCO

• Protocol mismatch: between the PMs in parliamentary democracies versus those in the former Soviet bloc and China. (Neither India nor Pakistan was represented by their respective PMs)
• Cross-border terrorism: Pakistan and India have come no closer on the issue.
  • India considers cross-border terrorism as the SCO region’s “biggest challenge”.
  • Pakistan made a reference to “state terrorism” in disputed areas (Jammu and Kashmir).
• Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of China: India denied joining other SCO members in a paragraph endorsing the BRI.

Significance of SCO for India:

• Strengthens regional alliance: It has been referred to as the “Asian NATO” although it does not mandate security alliances.
• Strengthens strategic and trade ties: with Central Asian countries by acting as the convenient channel/platform.
  • The recent meet announced a “Plan of Priority Practical Measures for 2021-­2022 to overcome the socio­economic, financial and food consequences of COVID­-19 in the region”.
• Bilateral platform for resolving tensed ties: with China and Pakistan in the absence of any governmental mechanism.
  • India has used the SCO for talks with China, amidst the LAC stand-off.
  • SCO is a rare forum where India-Pakistan troops take part in joint exercises under the Regional Anti-Terror Structure.
• Committed to strengthening multilateralism and the UN charter: while acting as an influential and responsible participant in the modern system of international relations.

Conclusion: Holding SCO meetings will help in developing India’s geopolitical balance as a counterpoint to its robust relations with the western world.