The SCO, evolved from the Shanghai Five (1996), was founded in 2001, as a Eurasian political, economic, and security organisation.
Virus Conflict within SCO
China-India border tensions (Galwan 2020) – undermine mutual trust.
India-Pakistan rivalry over terrorism. Eg- Pahalgam Attack
The China-Pakistan-Russia axis creates an internal power imbalance.
China’s BRI expansionism – violates sovereignty. Eg- CPEC through PoK.
Russia-Ukraine conflict divides members’ geopolitical alignments.
Afghanistan instability – differing member approaches toward Taliban.
India’s Role in Mitigating Problems
Dialogue-based dispute resolution – SCO as a platform for engagement with China and Pakistan. PM Modi (2023): “SCO must not be divided by barriers of mistrust.”
Act as a Balancer to China – Supported by CAR and Russia
Enhancing Economic and Connectivity Alternatives – Promotes Chabahar Port and INSTC.
Pushes for energy partnerships and supply-chain diversification with Central Asia.
Encourages collaboration in AI, digital governance, and fintech. Eg- UPI as Model for CARs
Active role in RATS (Tashkent) to share intelligence on terrorism. Calls for zero tolerance against extremism and radicalisation.
Promotes respect for territorial integrity and international law. Advocates transparency in connectivity and infrastructure projects.
Supports inclusive multipolarity in global and regional affairs. Acts as a moderating voice against bloc politics.
Using India’s civilizational linkages to bridge ideological divides. Eg- Buddhist and sufi diplomacy with Central Asian nations.
Climate Cooperation – joint action on climate resilience, renewable energy, and green hydrogen initiatives.
SCO can help realise India’s ambitions on “multi-alignment”, “strategic autonomy” and becoming a “balancing power” in the world.