Model Answer

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), established in 2001, has evolved into a major Eurasian grouping covering security, connectivity and economic cooperation. At the 2026 Bishkek Summit, India reiterated its approach centred on three pillars: Security, Connectivity and Opportunity.

Strategic significance of SCO for India

1. It provides direct institutional engagement with Central Asian republics, where India lacks geographical contiguity.
2. Security cooperation helps address terrorism, extremism and separatism. e.g: SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure.
3. It facilitates dialogue on Afghanistan and regional instability.
4. It provides India regular engagement with China and Pakistan within a multilateral framework.
5. Connectivity cooperation can deepen India's Eurasian access. e.g: Chabahar Port and International North-South Transport Corridor.
6. Energy-rich Central Asia supports India's energy-security interests.
7. SCO strengthens India's pursuit of a multipolar world and strategic autonomy.

Challenges limiting India's engagement

1. China exercises considerable economic and strategic influence within the grouping.
2. India opposes connectivity projects violating sovereignty. e.g: China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
3. India-Pakistan tensions constrain meaningful regional cooperation.
4. Divergent approaches towards terrorism undermine collective security.
5. Limited physical connectivity restricts India's trade with Central Asia.
6. Growing geopolitical rivalries can weaken consensus within SCO.

Way Forward

1. Prioritise practical cooperation in counter-terrorism, digital technology, health and startups.
2. Expand Chabahar and International North-South Transport Corridor connectivity with Central Asia.
3. Use SCO engagement to pursue issue-based cooperation without compromising strategic autonomy.

For India, the SCO is neither an alliance nor merely a diplomatic forum. Its value lies in maintaining an independent Eurasian presence while advancing security, connectivity and multipolarity amid competing regional interests.