Shanghai Cooperation Organization Sco Summit 2020

The 20th Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State, held virtually under the chairmanship of the Russian President, saw India pledge its support for the SCO's 20th-anniversary celebrations in 2021, designated as the “SCO Year of Culture.” In line with this commitment, India announced plans for the National Museum of India to host an exhibition in 2021 showcasing the Buddhist heritage of SCO countries. Further solidifying its engagement, India proposed the establishment of a Special Working Group on Innovation and Startups and a Sub-Group on Traditional Medicine within the SCO framework.

The SCO, a permanent intergovernmental political, economic, and military organization founded in Shanghai in 2001, prioritizes regional development and security, focusing on combating terrorism, ethnic separatism, and religious extremism. Operating on the "Shanghai Spirit," which emphasizes mutual trust, benefit, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity, and common development, the SCO is steered by the Heads of State Council (HSC) for high-level decisions and the Heads of Government Council (HGC) for trade, economic matters, and budget considerations. The organization's two permanent bodies, the Secretariat and the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), facilitate activities and combat regional security threats, respectively. With its significant global representation of approximately 42% of the world's population and 20% of the global GDP, and the presence of nuclear powers and UN Security Council members, the SCO is often seen as a counterweight to NATO, holding considerable influence in Central Asia and beyond.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation: India's Role and Regional Implications

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), since its inception, has evolved into a significant geopolitical entity, attracting considerable attention and debate regarding its role in the evolving world order. The 20th Summit of the SCO Council of Heads of State served as a crucial platform to assess the organization’s progress, address existing challenges, and chart a course for future cooperation. India's proactive participation in the summit, marked by its support for the "SCO Year of Culture" and proposals for new working groups, underscores the country's growing engagement with the SCO and its commitment to regional stability and development. Understanding the SCO requires a comprehensive examination of its origins, structure, objectives, and the diverse interests of its member states, particularly India, Russia, and China.

Genesis and Evolution of the SCO

The SCO's roots lie in the "Shanghai Five" mechanism, established in 1996 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Initially focused on border security and confidence-building measures in the aftermath of the Cold War, the Shanghai Five aimed to resolve territorial disputes and prevent military conflicts along their shared borders. This initiative was largely driven by China's desire to stabilize its western borders and foster good neighborly relations with its post-Soviet neighbors. Russia, grappling with its own internal challenges after the collapse of the Soviet Union, saw the Shanghai Five as a means to maintain its influence in Central Asia and counter potential threats from Islamic extremism and drug trafficking emanating from Afghanistan.

The Shanghai Five's success in resolving border issues and fostering mutual trust paved the way for its transformation into the SCO in 2001 with the inclusion of Uzbekistan. The addition of Uzbekistan, a strategically important country in Central Asia, broadened the SCO's scope and ambitions. The SCO's official establishment coincided with the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in the United States, which significantly heightened global concerns about terrorism and security. Consequently, the SCO adopted a broader mandate that included combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism, collectively known as the "three evils."

The SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), headquartered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, became a key instrument for coordinating counter-terrorism efforts among member states. RATS facilitates intelligence sharing, joint training exercises, and law enforcement cooperation to address security threats in the region. While the SCO's initial focus was primarily on security issues, it gradually expanded its agenda to encompass economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and other areas of mutual interest. This evolution reflected the growing recognition that security and development are intertwined and that regional stability requires a multifaceted approach.

Structure and Functioning of the SCO

The SCO operates through a hierarchical structure, with the Heads of State Council (HSC) as the highest decision-making body. The HSC, composed of the heads of state of all member countries, meets annually to set the organization's strategic direction, approve key documents, and address pressing regional and international issues. The Heads of Government Council (HGC), consisting of the prime ministers or heads of government of member states, focuses on economic and trade cooperation, approves the SCO's annual budget, and oversees the implementation of various economic projects.

The SCO Secretariat, based in Beijing, serves as the organization's administrative and coordinating body. The Secretariat is responsible for organizing SCO meetings, preparing documents, and implementing decisions made by the HSC and HGC. The Secretary-General, appointed by the HSC, is the chief administrative officer of the SCO and represents the organization in external relations.

The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is a permanent body within the SCO responsible for coordinating counter-terrorism efforts among member states. RATS facilitates intelligence sharing, joint training exercises, and law enforcement cooperation to address security threats in the region. The SCO also has several other mechanisms for cooperation, including ministerial meetings, working groups, and expert consultations, which address specific issues such as trade, transportation, energy, and culture.

The SCO's decision-making process is based on consensus, meaning that all member states must agree on a particular issue before a decision can be made. This consensus-based approach can sometimes lead to delays and compromises, but it also ensures that all member states have a voice in the organization's decision-making process. The SCO's working languages are Russian and Chinese, reflecting the dominant roles of Russia and China within the organization.

The "Shanghai Spirit" and Guiding Principles

The SCO operates on the principles of the "Shanghai Spirit," which emphasizes mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity, and the pursuit of common development. The Shanghai Spirit reflects the SCO's commitment to multilateralism, non-interference in internal affairs, and peaceful resolution of disputes. It also underscores the SCO's emphasis on practical cooperation and tangible results.

The Shanghai Spirit is often contrasted with the values and principles of Western-led international organizations, such as NATO, which are seen as more focused on promoting democracy and human rights. The SCO's emphasis on non-interference in internal affairs has been criticized by some Western observers, who argue that it allows authoritarian regimes to evade scrutiny and accountability. However, the SCO's supporters argue that its approach is more pragmatic and effective in dealing with the complex challenges facing the region.

India's Engagement with the SCO

India's engagement with the SCO dates back to 2005, when it became an observer member. After a lengthy process, India, along with Pakistan, was granted full membership in 2017. India's decision to join the SCO reflected its growing interest in Central Asia, its desire to enhance regional security, and its ambition to play a more prominent role in the Eurasian region.

India's membership in the SCO has several strategic implications. First, it provides India with a platform to engage with key regional players, including Russia, China, and the Central Asian states. This engagement allows India to promote its interests, address its concerns, and build relationships with countries that are strategically important to its foreign policy objectives.

Second, the SCO provides India with a framework for cooperation on security issues, particularly counter-terrorism. India has long been a victim of terrorism, and it views the SCO as a valuable tool for sharing intelligence, coordinating law enforcement efforts, and addressing the root causes of terrorism in the region.

Third, the SCO offers India opportunities for economic cooperation and connectivity projects. Central Asia is rich in natural resources, and India is keen to access these resources to meet its growing energy needs. The SCO also promotes connectivity projects, such as the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which aims to improve trade and transportation links between India, Russia, and Central Asia.

India's participation in the 20th SCO Summit underscored its commitment to the organization's objectives and its willingness to play an active role in shaping its agenda. India's support for the "SCO Year of Culture" reflects its emphasis on cultural diplomacy and its desire to promote closer ties with other SCO member states through cultural exchange. India's proposal to establish a Special Working Group on Innovation and Startups and a Sub-Group on Traditional Medicine demonstrates its focus on promoting technological cooperation and leveraging its expertise in these areas to benefit the region.

India's Strategic Interests and Challenges within the SCO

While India views the SCO as a valuable platform for regional engagement, it also faces several challenges within the organization. One of the main challenges is the presence of Pakistan, with whom India has a long and complex history of conflict. The two countries have fought several wars, and their relations remain strained due to ongoing disputes over Kashmir and cross-border terrorism.

India has consistently raised the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan at SCO forums. While the SCO has a mandate to combat terrorism, it has been reluctant to take a strong stance against Pakistan due to China's close ties with Islamabad. This reluctance has frustrated India and limited the SCO's effectiveness in addressing terrorism in the region.

Another challenge for India within the SCO is the dominant role of China. China is the largest economy in the SCO and has a significant influence over the organization's agenda and decision-making. India is wary of China's growing assertiveness in the region and its efforts to expand its economic and political influence through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

India has not endorsed the BRI, as it views it as a debt trap for participating countries and a violation of its sovereignty due to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through disputed territory in Kashmir. India's concerns about the BRI and China's growing influence in the SCO have led it to pursue alternative connectivity projects, such as the INSTC, and to strengthen its bilateral relations with other SCO member states.

Despite these challenges, India remains committed to the SCO and views it as an important platform for promoting its strategic interests in the region. India believes that the SCO can play a constructive role in addressing security threats, promoting economic cooperation, and fostering regional stability. India's engagement with the SCO is also part of its broader strategy of multi-alignment, which involves building partnerships with a diverse range of countries to advance its interests and navigate the complex geopolitical landscape.

The SCO and Regional Security Dynamics

The SCO's primary focus on security issues, particularly counter-terrorism, has significant implications for regional security dynamics. The SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) plays a crucial role in coordinating counter-terrorism efforts among member states and sharing intelligence on terrorist threats. The SCO has conducted several joint military exercises to enhance its counter-terrorism capabilities and to demonstrate its commitment to regional security.

However, the SCO's effectiveness in addressing terrorism has been hampered by several factors, including the divergent interests of member states, the lack of a common definition of terrorism, and the reluctance to take strong action against countries that support or harbor terrorist groups. The SCO's counter-terrorism efforts have also been criticized for focusing primarily on suppressing separatist movements and religious extremism, while neglecting other forms of terrorism, such as state-sponsored terrorism.

The SCO's security agenda also includes addressing other regional security threats, such as drug trafficking, organized crime, and cybercrime. The SCO has established mechanisms for cooperation in these areas, but its effectiveness has been limited by the lack of resources and the complex nature of these threats. The SCO's security role is further complicated by the presence of external actors, such as the United States and NATO, who have their own security interests in the region. The SCO is often viewed as a counterweight to NATO, and the two organizations have competing geopolitical interests in Central Asia and the Gulf.

The SCO and Economic Cooperation

In addition to its security agenda, the SCO also promotes economic cooperation among its member states. The SCO has established several mechanisms for promoting trade and investment, including the SCO Business Council and the SCO Interbank Consortium. The SCO aims to create a free trade zone among its member states, but progress has been slow due to the diverse economic interests and priorities of the member states.

The SCO's economic agenda is closely linked to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to build infrastructure and connectivity projects across Eurasia. China has been actively promoting the BRI within the SCO framework, and several SCO member states have signed agreements to participate in BRI projects. However, India has not endorsed the BRI, as it views it as a debt trap for participating countries and a violation of its sovereignty.

Despite India's reservations about the BRI, it recognizes the importance of economic cooperation within the SCO. India has been actively promoting alternative connectivity projects, such as the INSTC, which aims to improve trade and transportation links between India, Russia, and Central Asia. India also sees opportunities for economic cooperation with other SCO member states in areas such as energy, agriculture, and information technology.

The SCO and Cultural Exchange

The SCO recognizes the importance of cultural exchange in promoting mutual understanding and fostering closer ties among its member states. The SCO has designated 2021 as the "SCO Year of Culture" to promote cultural exchange and understanding among member states. As part of this initiative, India has announced plans for the National Museum of India to host an exhibition in 2021 showcasing the Buddhist heritage of SCO countries.

The SCO also promotes cultural exchange through other initiatives, such as cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and student exchange programs. These initiatives aim to promote cultural diversity, encourage intercultural dialogue, and strengthen people-to-people connections among SCO member states. India has a rich cultural heritage and a long history of cultural exchange with Central Asia. India views cultural diplomacy as an important tool for promoting its soft power and strengthening its relations with other SCO member states.

The SCO and the Future of Regional Cooperation

The SCO has evolved into a significant geopolitical entity with a broad agenda that encompasses security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange. The SCO's future role in regional cooperation will depend on several factors, including the ability of member states to overcome their differences, the organization's effectiveness in addressing security threats, and its capacity to promote economic development.

India's role in the SCO is likely to become increasingly important in the coming years. India is a major economic power with a growing interest in Central Asia. India's engagement with the SCO is part of its broader strategy of multi-alignment, which involves building partnerships with a diverse range of countries to advance its interests and navigate the complex geopolitical landscape.

However, India also faces several challenges within the SCO, including the presence of Pakistan, the dominant role of China, and the competing geopolitical interests of external actors. India's ability to overcome these challenges and to work constructively with other SCO member states will be crucial for shaping the organization's future direction and for promoting regional stability and development.

The SCO's success will also depend on its ability to adapt to the changing geopolitical landscape and to address emerging challenges, such as climate change, cybersecurity, and pandemics. The SCO needs to strengthen its mechanisms for cooperation in these areas and to work with other international organizations to address these global challenges.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation represents a complex and evolving landscape of international relations. India's engagement within this framework, marked by both opportunities and challenges, underscores the intricate dynamics of regional cooperation in the Eurasian region. As the SCO continues to evolve, its ability to adapt to emerging challenges and foster genuine collaboration among its member states will determine its long-term significance in the global arena. The interplay of security concerns, economic interests, and cultural exchange within the SCO, coupled with the diverse perspectives of its member states, creates a dynamic environment that demands careful analysis and strategic engagement.