What's New :
Target PT - Prelims Classes 2025. Visit Here
6th July 2024 (11 Topics)

India's Strategic Stance in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

You must be logged in to get greater insights.

Context

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's absence from the 24th SCO summit and his upcoming visit to Russia highlight India's independent foreign policy and strategic balancing in regional organizations.

India's Approach to SCO:

  • Guiding Principles: India's SCO agenda is based on 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (world is one family) and SECURE (Security, Economic development, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for sovereignty, and Environmental protection).
  • Balancing Act: India maintains a steady balance between the US and Russia, continuing close relations with Moscow without compromising its position on global conflicts.
  • Independent Stance: PM's absence from the SCO summit is not due to US influence, but reflects India's own strategic considerations.

SCO Dynamics and India's Role:

  • Membership Evolution: India and Pakistan joined SCO in 2017, with Russia advocating for India's membership while China insisted on Pakistan's inclusion.
  • Counter-balancing China: Russia sees India as a potential counterweight to China's growing influence in the SCO and Central Asia.
  • Economic Fulcrum: India is viewed as a strong economic fulcrum for extending the Eurasian forum beyond Central Asia to South Asia.

India's Strategic Considerations:

  • Central Asian Focus: India aims to revive cultural and economic ties with Central Asia, using it as a bridge to West Asia and Europe.
  • Indo-Pacific Strategy: India's role in the Indo-Pacific and Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) makes it an attractive partner for Central Asian economies.
  • Russia-India Relations: PM Modi's upcoming visit to Russia is expected to strengthen bilateral ties, reaffirming India's independent foreign policy.
UPSC Mains Questions:

Q. Analyze India's strategic approach to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). How does it reflect India's broader foreign policy objectives in the region?

Verifying, please be patient.

Enquire Now