India refuses to sign the SCO statement over Pahalgam

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers’ meeting couldn’t issue a joint communique on 26^th June after India refused to endorse the document because it didn’t address its terrorism-related concerns.

More about the news:

• The defence minister attended the meeting at Qingdao in China, refused to sign the joint communique as it was silent on the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
• The communique, however, mentioned Balochistan and the hijacking of the Jaffer Express by Baloch militants.
• Pakistan’s insistence on not having any reference to the Pahalgam attack, while retaining the reference to the situation in Balochistan, stymied the finalisation of a joint statement.
• The SCO works by consensus, and a joint communique cannot be issued if even one member state doesn’t endorse it.
• China, the current president of the SCO, has deep military and strategic ties with Pakistan, which it strongly supported during the recent four-day clashes with India under Operation Sindoor.

India’s Call for Unified Action Against Terrorism

• In his address at the SCO summit, the defence minister urged member states to unite against terrorism in all its forms, emphasising that perpetrators, organisers, financiers, and sponsors of terrorism must be held accountable.
• He stressed that peace and prosperity cannot coexist with terrorism or the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the hands of non-state actors.
• His call for decisive action underscored the need for SCO members to align in strengthening regional stability and security.

Role of Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Countering Radicalisation:

• Coordination and information sharing: RATS serves as a platform for SCO member states to share intelligence on terrorist activities and radicalisation trends.
• Countering Extremist Propaganda: It has been recognised for its work in the cyber domain, particularly in preventing the spread of extremist propaganda online.
• Policy and Strategy Development: RATS facilitates the adoption of anti-terror measures, such as the SCO Council’s joint statement on “Countering Radicalisation Leading to Terrorism.”
• Capacity Building and Training: RATS conducts joint training programs and exercises to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement and security agencies in SCO member states.

Challenges faced by SCO:

• Diverse Interests and Geopolitical Rivalries: The SCO comprises countries with differing political systems, economic priorities, and strategic goals, such as China, Russia, India, and Pakistan. Conflicting interests, like the India-Pakistan rivalry, hinder cohesive decision-making.
• Counterterrorism and radicalisation challenges: The SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) faces difficulties in addressing evolving terrorist tactics, including online radicalisation and cross-border extremism.
• Uneven Economic Capacities: Member states have different economic strengths, with China dominating trade and investment initiatives. Smaller economies like Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan struggle to benefit equally.
• Sanctions and Global Dynamics: Sanctions on Russia and concerns over China’s global influence affect the SCO’s ability to engage with international financial systems and attract investment.
• Regional Instability: Central Asian member states face internal challenges like political instability, corruption, and ethnic tensions, which undermine SCO initiatives.