Subject: International Relations

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), established in 2001, has evolved from its initial focus on border disputes to become a significant multilateral platform addressing geopolitical, economic, and security challenges in Eurasia.

Aims and Objectives of SCO

Security Cooperation:

• Primary focus on combating "three evils" - terrorism, separatism, and extremism through joint military exercises like KAZIND between India and Kazakhstan in Auli, Uttarakhand.
• Promoting regional stability through intelligence sharing and counter-narcotics operations.

Economic Integration:

• Facilitating trade and investment among member states through initiatives like using national currencies for payments.
• Fostering connectivity through infrastructure projects and economic corridors.
• Supporting sustainable development as evidenced by declaring 2025 as the Year of Sustainable Development in the Astana Declaration.

Cultural Exchange:

• Strengthening people-to-people ties through initiatives like the SCO Film Festival and SCO Millet Food Festival.
• Promoting cultural understanding and cooperation among member nations.

Significance for India

Strategic Benefits:

• Platform for engagement with Central Asian nations and balancing China's influence.
• Avenue for addressing regional security concerns, particularly in Afghanistan.
• Opportunity to counter Pakistan's anti-India narrative in multilateral forums.

Economic Opportunities:

• Access to resource-rich Central Asian markets and energy resources.
• Enhanced trade possibilities with SCO members through agreements like rice exports to China.
• Cooperation in emerging sectors like startups and traditional medicine.

Challenges:

• Balancing relations with the West while participating in SCO.
• Managing China-Pakistan axis within the organization.
• Addressing concerns over Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The recent New Delhi Declaration and India's active participation in various SCO initiatives demonstrate its commitment to multilateral cooperation while pursuing its strategic interests. The organization serves as a vital platform for India to enhance its "Connect Central Asia" policy and strengthen its position as a responsible global power.