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16th October 2024 (13 Topics)

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Meeting

Context

India's Foreign Minister, S. Jaishankar, is visiting Islamabad for the 23rd Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG). This visit by India's foreign minister is a notable event in regional diplomacy.

What is Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)?

  • The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a multilateral platform founded in 2001, comprising eight member states: China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
  • The organization primarily focuses on regional security, economic cooperation, and political collaboration, particularly in addressing challenges like terrorism and extremism.
  • With a unique blend of both Asian and Eurasian countries, the SCO aims to foster stability and development across the region, making it one of the largest transregional organizations globally.
  • India became an observer in the SCO in 2005 and became a member state in 2017.

Importance of SCO for India

  • For India, the SCO is strategically significant as it enhances its engagement with major regional powers, particularly China and Russia, in a multipolar world.
  • The organization provides a platform for India to collaborate on security issues, especially in combating terrorism and addressing threats emanating from its immediate neighbors, Pakistan and China.
  • Additionally, the SCO facilitates India's access to Central Asian resources, thereby bolstering its energy security and economic interests in the region.
  • Reasons for India Joining SCO
    • India's decision to join the SCO stemmed from its desire for a greater presence in Central Asia and to counterbalance the influence of Western powers. By becoming a member, India aims to leverage the platform to push for collective action against terrorism, particularly regarding groups operating from Pakistan.
    • The move also aligns with India's long-term objective of establishing a multipolar global order and enhancing its strategic partnerships in a region critical to its national interests.
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