The 20th Annual Council of Heads of State Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was recently held, with a major focus on the significance of this event as it presented an opportunity for Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to virtually meet amidst high from a long-standing territorial dispute.
Significance of the SCO Meet
The summit was important given the ongoing territorial disputes between China and India, specifically in Eastern Ladakh along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). It was digitally hosted for the first time and marked India’s third participation since its full membership acceptance in 2017. The Republic of Tajikistan will serve as the chair of the SCO for 2021-22.
Looking towards the future, India suggested the establishment of a Special Working Group on Innovation and Startups, as well as a Sub Group on Traditional Medicine within the organisation. During the meeting, the Indian Prime Minister indirectly referred to Chinese infrastructure developments in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and the ensuing standoff at the LAC, emphasizing the need for all SCO members to respect each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Connectivity and Global Governance
The Prime Minister also underscored India’s contribution to infrastructure and connectivity projects within the SCO region, such as the Chabahar port and The International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multi-modal connectivity initiative establishing transport routes between India, Russia, Iran, Europe, and Central Asia.
Reformed Multilateralism
In the context of the pandemic’s fallout and the economic downturn, India sought SCO members’ support for achieving reformed multilateralism. Challenges posed by illegal weapon smuggling, drug trafficking, and money laundering were major talking points for India. Cultural heritage strengthening initiatives, like an exhibition on Buddhist heritage by the National Museum of India, and hosting a food festival reflecting the SCO region’s culinary traditions, were also highlighted.
About Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
The SCO is a permanent intergovernmental organisation playing a key role in political, economic, and military matters to maintain peace, security, and stability in Eurasia. Established in 2001, with an official charter signed and entered into force in 2002 and 2003 respectively, its official languages are Russian and Chinese. The SCO has two permanent bodies – the SCO Secretariat in Beijing and the Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent.
SCO’s Genesis and Way Forward
Before its creation, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan were members of Shanghai Five, a group that emerged from a series of talks aimed at ensuring stability along borders. Following Uzbekistan’s accession in 2001, the group was renamed as SCO, and later India and Pakistan became members in 2017.
Moving forward, it is critical for SCO to be a platform for fostering solidarity, mutual trust, and resolving disputes through dialogue, which in turn would assist in decreasing tensions between India and neighboring countries like China and Pakistan.
