Shanghai Cooperation Organization SCO Summit 2019 Key Highlights And Indias Role

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Qingdao, China, saw India taking a firm stance on regional connectivity and security. While participating in the summit, India notably refused to endorse China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), citing concerns over sovereignty and the potential for debt-trap diplomacy. Instead, India proposed the 'SECURE' strategy as its vision for comprehensive regional security.

The SCO, a Eurasian political, economic, and security organization established in 2001 and headquartered in Beijing, has become an increasingly important platform for regional cooperation. Originating from the 'Shanghai Five' in 1996, it now comprises eight member states, including India, China, Russia, and Pakistan. India's full membership, granted in 2017, alongside Pakistan, marked a significant shift in the organization's dynamics. The SCO operates under the 'Shanghai Spirit,' emphasizing harmony, consensus, respect for cultural diversity, non-interference in internal affairs, and non-alignment. The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), a key component of the SCO based in Tashkent, focuses on counter-terrorism efforts. India's participation in Exercise SCO Peace Mission 2018, the first since becoming a full member, further underscored its commitment to regional security cooperation, even with Pakistan, outside the framework of the United Nations.

India's SCO Engagement: Balancing Cooperation and Strategic Autonomy

The 2019 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Qingdao, China, served as a crucial juncture for India's engagement with the Eurasian bloc. While outwardly projecting a spirit of cooperation and commitment to regional security, India subtly but firmly asserted its strategic autonomy by declining to endorse China's flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This decision, coupled with the promotion of India's own "SECURE" strategy, underscored the complex balancing act that defines India's foreign policy within the SCO framework. India's participation in joint military exercises with Pakistan under the SCO banner, despite ongoing bilateral tensions, further highlighted the nuanced approach New Delhi adopts in navigating the organization's diverse geopolitical landscape.

The Genesis and Evolution of the SCO: From Shanghai Five to Eurasian Powerhouse

To understand India's role within the SCO, it is crucial to trace the organization's historical trajectory. The SCO's origins lie in the "Shanghai Five," a multilateral forum established in 1996 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Initially focused on border demarcation and security cooperation in the aftermath of the Soviet Union's collapse, the Shanghai Five aimed to address regional stability and prevent cross-border conflicts. The group's formation reflected a shared concern among these nations regarding the rise of extremism, separatism, and terrorism in Central Asia.

The Shanghai Five's success in resolving border disputes and fostering mutual trust laid the foundation for its expansion and transformation into the SCO in 2001. The inclusion of Uzbekistan as a full member marked a significant step, broadening the organization's scope and solidifying its focus on economic cooperation. The SCO Charter, adopted in 2002, formalized the organization's structure, objectives, and principles, solidifying its status as a formal intergovernmental organization.

The SCO's core principles, collectively known as the "Shanghai Spirit," emphasize mutual trust, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity, and the pursuit of common development. These principles, rooted in the values of non-interference in internal affairs and non-alignment, reflect a conscious effort to distinguish the SCO from Western-led international institutions. The Shanghai Spirit promotes a multipolar world order, advocating for a more balanced and inclusive approach to global governance.

India's Accession to the SCO: A Strategic Imperative

India's journey to full membership in the SCO was a gradual process, reflecting its growing engagement with the Eurasian region. India initially joined the SCO as an observer in 2005, allowing it to participate in the organization's activities and gain a deeper understanding of its dynamics. Over the next decade, India actively engaged with the SCO, participating in joint military exercises, contributing to economic initiatives, and fostering diplomatic ties with member states.

India's strategic interest in joining the SCO stemmed from several factors. First, the SCO provides a valuable platform for India to engage with Central Asian countries, a region of strategic importance due to its proximity, energy resources, and potential for connectivity. Second, the SCO offers India an opportunity to counter the growing influence of China and Pakistan in the region. By becoming a full member, India can actively participate in shaping the SCO's agenda and promoting its own interests. Third, the SCO's focus on counter-terrorism aligns with India's own security concerns, particularly in the context of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

In 2017, India, along with Pakistan, was granted full membership in the SCO at the Astana summit in Kazakhstan. This marked a significant milestone in the organization's history, expanding its geographical reach and enhancing its geopolitical significance. India's accession to the SCO was widely welcomed by member states, who recognized its potential to contribute to regional stability and economic development.

The Belt and Road Initiative: A Point of Contention

Despite its commitment to the SCO, India has consistently maintained a critical stance towards China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a massive infrastructure development project aimed at connecting Asia with Europe and Africa. India's primary objection to the BRI stems from the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key component of the BRI that passes through Pakistan-administered Kashmir, a territory claimed by India. India views CPEC as a violation of its sovereignty and has repeatedly voiced its opposition to the project.

Beyond the sovereignty issue, India also harbors concerns about the BRI's potential for debt-trap diplomacy. Critics argue that the BRI's financing model, which relies heavily on Chinese loans, could lead to unsustainable debt burdens for participating countries, making them vulnerable to Chinese influence. India has advocated for alternative connectivity projects that prioritize transparency, sustainability, and respect for sovereignty.

At the 2019 Qingdao summit, India's refusal to endorse the BRI underscored its unwavering position on the issue. This decision highlighted the strategic divergence between India and China within the SCO framework, despite their shared commitment to regional cooperation.

The SECURE Strategy: India's Vision for Regional Security

In contrast to the BRI, India has proposed its own vision for regional security and development, encapsulated in the "SECURE" strategy. Coined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, SECURE is an acronym that stands for:

• Security for citizens
• Economic development for all
• Connecting the region
• Uniting our people
• Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity
• Environment protection

The SECURE strategy emphasizes a holistic approach to regional security, encompassing not only traditional security threats but also economic development, connectivity, and environmental protection. It prioritizes respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, addressing India's concerns about the BRI's impact on its own territorial claims. The SECURE strategy also promotes sustainable development, advocating for projects that are environmentally sound and economically viable.

By promoting the SECURE strategy, India seeks to offer an alternative vision for regional cooperation that is more inclusive, transparent, and sustainable than the BRI. It aims to build trust and foster closer ties with its neighbors based on mutual respect and shared prosperity.

The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS): Countering Terrorism within the SCO

One of the SCO's key priorities is combating terrorism, extremism, and separatism. To this end, the organization established the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in 2002, headquartered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. RATS serves as a platform for member states to share intelligence, coordinate counter-terrorism operations, and develop joint strategies to address regional security threats.

India has actively participated in RATS activities, recognizing the importance of regional cooperation in combating terrorism. India has shared intelligence with other member states, participated in joint counter-terrorism exercises, and contributed to the development of legal frameworks to address terrorism-related issues.

The SCO's focus on counter-terrorism aligns with India's own security concerns, particularly in the context of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. India has consistently called on Pakistan to take concrete action against terrorist groups operating on its soil and has used the SCO platform to raise this issue with other member states.

Exercise SCO Peace Mission: Fostering Military Cooperation

In addition to RATS, the SCO conducts regular joint military exercises under the banner of "Peace Mission." These exercises aim to enhance interoperability among member states' armed forces and improve their ability to respond to regional security threats. Exercise SCO Peace Mission is conducted biennially.

India's participation in Exercise SCO Peace Mission 2018, the first since becoming a full member, was particularly significant. The exercise, held in Russia, brought together troops from India and Pakistan, providing a rare opportunity for the two countries to interact and cooperate on security issues. Despite the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, both countries recognized the importance of participating in the exercise to promote regional stability and counter-terrorism efforts.

India's participation in Exercise SCO Peace Mission demonstrated its commitment to regional security cooperation, even with countries with whom it has strained relations. It underscored India's belief that multilateral platforms like the SCO can play a valuable role in fostering dialogue and building trust among member states.

India-Pakistan Relations within the SCO Framework

The presence of both India and Pakistan within the SCO presents both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, the SCO provides a platform for the two countries to engage in dialogue and address issues of mutual concern. On the other hand, the deep-seated mistrust and historical animosity between India and Pakistan can hinder cooperation within the organization.

India has consistently maintained that it is willing to engage with Pakistan within the SCO framework, but only if Pakistan takes concrete action against terrorist groups operating on its soil. India has also emphasized the importance of resolving bilateral issues through peaceful means and in accordance with international law.

Pakistan, on the other hand, has accused India of using the SCO platform to isolate and delegitimize it. Pakistan has also called on India to resume dialogue on all outstanding issues, including the Kashmir dispute.

Despite the challenges, the SCO has provided a valuable forum for India and Pakistan to interact and engage in dialogue. The participation of both countries in joint military exercises and counter-terrorism activities has demonstrated their willingness to cooperate on specific issues, even in the context of broader bilateral tensions.

The SCO's Geopolitical Significance: A Counterweight to Western Influence?

The SCO's growing influence in the Eurasian region has led some observers to view it as a potential counterweight to Western-led international institutions. The SCO's emphasis on non-interference in internal affairs, non-alignment, and a multipolar world order reflects a desire to create an alternative model of global governance that is less dominated by Western powers.

China and Russia, the two dominant powers within the SCO, have both expressed their dissatisfaction with the existing international order and have advocated for a more balanced and inclusive system. The SCO provides a platform for these countries to coordinate their foreign policies and promote their shared interests.

However, it is important to note that the SCO is not a monolithic bloc and that its member states have diverse interests and perspectives. The SCO's decision-making process is based on consensus, which can limit its effectiveness when member states have conflicting priorities.

Furthermore, the SCO's focus on regional security and economic cooperation does not necessarily translate into a desire to challenge the existing international order. The SCO's member states are all deeply integrated into the global economy and benefit from their participation in international institutions.

India's Future Role in the SCO: Balancing Interests and Promoting Stability

India's role in the SCO is likely to increase in the coming years as it seeks to promote its strategic interests and counter China's growing influence in the region. India's SECURE strategy may gain traction as an alternative vision for regional development, offering a more inclusive and sustainable approach than the BRI.

India will continue to use the SCO platform to raise its concerns about cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan and to advocate for concrete action against terrorist groups operating in the region. India will also seek to strengthen its ties with Central Asian countries through the SCO, promoting economic cooperation and connectivity projects.

However, India will also need to navigate the complex geopolitical dynamics within the SCO, balancing its interests with those of other member states. India will need to maintain its strategic autonomy and avoid becoming overly reliant on either China or Russia.

Ultimately, India's success in the SCO will depend on its ability to build trust and foster cooperation with other member states, while also promoting its own vision for regional security and development. The SCO presents both opportunities and challenges for India, and its ability to navigate this complex landscape will be crucial to its future success in the Eurasian region.

Beyond the Headlines: Deeper Implications of India's SCO Engagement

India's participation in the SCO extends beyond mere attendance at summits and participation in joint exercises. It represents a calculated effort to shape the regional security architecture, promote its economic interests, and project its influence in a strategically important region. The decision to refrain from endorsing the BRI, while simultaneously championing the SECURE strategy, speaks volumes about India's nuanced approach to its relationship with China and its commitment to safeguarding its sovereign interests.

The SCO as a Platform for Regional Dialogue

One of the most significant benefits of India's SCO membership is the opportunity for dialogue and engagement with other regional powers, including China and Pakistan. Despite the challenges posed by bilateral tensions, the SCO provides a forum for these countries to interact, build trust, and address issues of mutual concern. This dialogue is particularly important in the context of regional security, where cooperation is essential to combating terrorism and maintaining stability.

Economic Opportunities and Connectivity

The SCO also offers India significant economic opportunities, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, and connectivity. The organization promotes economic cooperation among its member states, facilitating the flow of goods, services, and capital. India can leverage the SCO platform to expand its trade with Central Asian countries, access new markets, and promote its own economic development.

Connectivity is another key area of focus for the SCO. The organization is working to develop transportation infrastructure that will connect its member states, facilitating trade and promoting regional integration. India can play a significant role in these connectivity projects, leveraging its expertise in infrastructure development and its strategic location to become a hub for trade and transportation in the region.

Counter-Terrorism Cooperation

As mentioned earlier, counter-terrorism is a key priority for the SCO. India has been a vocal advocate for regional cooperation in combating terrorism and has actively participated in RATS activities. The SCO provides a valuable platform for India to share intelligence, coordinate counter-terrorism operations, and develop joint strategies to address the threat of terrorism in the region.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the opportunities, India's engagement with the SCO also presents several challenges. One of the main challenges is the need to balance its interests with those of other member states, particularly China and Russia. These countries have their own strategic agendas and may not always align with India's interests.

Another challenge is the need to manage its relationship with Pakistan within the SCO framework. The deep-seated mistrust and historical animosity between the two countries can hinder cooperation within the organization. India needs to find ways to engage with Pakistan constructively, while also protecting its own security interests.

The Future of India's SCO Engagement

Looking ahead, India's role in the SCO is likely to become even more important. As the organization continues to grow and expand its influence, India will have the opportunity to shape its agenda and promote its own strategic interests. To succeed in this endeavor, India will need to adopt a proactive and nuanced approach, balancing its interests with those of other member states and working to build trust and foster cooperation. The SECURE strategy will be central to this effort, highlighting India's commitment to a regional order that respects sovereignty, promotes economic development, and ensures the security of all.