The upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad marks a significant moment in international relations, particularly for India. With External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to Pakistan after a decade, the event highlights the growing influence of the SCO and its impact on regional and global dynamics.
Understanding the SCO: A Eurasian Bloc with Growing Influence
The SCO, originally formed as the ‘Shanghai Five’ in 1996, has expanded its membership to include ten full members, including India and Pakistan, along with observer states like Afghanistan and Mongolia. Its genesis lies in the aftermath of the Soviet Union’s collapse, with founding members China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan coming together to address regional security, border issues, and terrorism.
Over the years, the SCO has evolved into a platform for cooperation in various areas, including politics, trade, economics, research, technology, and culture. It promotes the ‘Shanghai spirit’ of mutual trust, neighborliness, and collaboration. Key focus areas include education, energy, transport, tourism, and environmental protection.
The SCO’s Rise and its Significance
The SCO’s influence is steadily rising, particularly given its vast membership that encompasses a population of three billion people and three-fifths of the Eurasian continent. Its member countries account for a quarter of the world’s GDP, underlining its economic importance.
The bloc is increasingly viewed as a counterbalance to Western alliances like NATO, with China and Russia actively promoting it as an alternative to the US-led global order. The SCO’s focus on promoting a multipolar world, driven by its own principles, has made it a significant player in the evolving geopolitical landscape.
India’s Stake in the SCO
India’s membership in the SCO, secured in 2017, has been seen as a strategic move to enhance its global standing, gain access to regional markets, and participate in regional politico-strategic dynamics.
Central Asia’s abundant natural resources hold particular interest for India, a major energy consumer. The SCO also facilitates communication with key regional players on security matters, particularly through the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS).
India’s membership also offers a platform to address concerns about terrorism emanating from Pakistan and to counter China’s ambitious projects like the One Belt, One Road initiative and the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Challenges and Opportunities
While the SCO presents opportunities for India, it also faces challenges. Tensions with Pakistan and China make it difficult for the SCO to operate effectively. The bloc’s chronically underfunded nature and limited decision-making power are also concerns.
Furthermore, the pursuit of micro-agendas by individual member states can undermine group cohesion and trust. Despite these challenges, India’s participation in the SCO provides a platform to advocate for a new world order that is neither West-centric nor China-centric.
The SCO Summit in Islamabad
The upcoming SCO summit in Islamabad is expected to focus on enhancing regional cooperation, trade, and financial integrity among member states. Key organizational decisions will be taken to further strengthen cooperation, and the bloc’s budget will be approved.
Pakistan is anticipating significant benefits from the summit, including enhanced image and future prospects. The summit is widely seen as a crucial event for Pakistan, with expectations that it will be a ‘game-changer’ for the country.
Conclusion
The SCO summit in Pakistan underscores the bloc’s growing influence and the importance of India’s role within it. The event offers a platform to address regional challenges, enhance cooperation, and shape the future of the Eurasian region. India’s participation in the SCO presents both opportunities and challenges, requiring careful navigation and strategic engagement to harness its potential.