The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a permanent intergovernmental international organization. Formed in 2001, SCO aims to maintain peace, security and stability in the Eurasian region. The organization’s charter, signed in 2001, effectively came into force in 2003.
Genesis of SCO
Prior to the creation of SCO in 2001, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan were part of the Shanghai Five. The Shanghai Five was formed from a sequence of border demarcation and demilitarization talks which the four former Soviet republics held with China to ensure stability along the borders. Upon the accession of Uzbekistan to the organization in 2001, the Shanghai Five was renamed to the SCO. Later, in 2017, India and Pakistan joined the organization. Recently, on 17th September 2021, Iran became a full member of the SCO.
Objectives of SCO
The main objectives of SCO are strengthening mutual trust and neighborliness among the member states and promoting effective cooperation in politics, trade & economy, research & technology and culture. The organization also aims to enhance ties in education, energy, transport, tourism, environmental protection, etc. Additionally, SCO aims to maintain and ensure peace, security and stability in the region and establish a democratic, fair and rational new international political & economic order.
Membership of SCO
The member states of SCO include Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan and Iran.
Structure of SCO
The structure of the SCO comprises the Heads of State Council, which is the supreme SCO body that decides on its internal functioning and its interaction with other states & international organizations and considers international issues. The Heads of Government Council is responsible for approving the budget, and it considers and decides upon economic spheres of interaction within SCO. The Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs considers issues related to day-to-day activities. Moreover, the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) was established to combat terrorism, separatism and extremism. The SCO Secretariat, based in Beijing, offers informational, analytical & organizational support. The official working languages of the SCO Secretariat are Russian and Chinese.
Indian Involvement in SCO
The Union Cabinet was informed about the Agreement signed among the SCO member states on cooperation in the field of youth work among the authorized bodies of the member states. The agreement was signed by the Indian Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports following its acceptance by the member states in 2021.
Key Highlights of the Agreement
The aim of the agreement is to strengthen mutual trust, friendly relations and cooperation among young people of SCO member states. It recognises the importance of ensuring the development of youth cooperation as a contributing factor to deepening friendly relations among the SCO member states. The areas of cooperation include strengthening cooperation in youth work and public youth organizations, supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing international youth cooperation, training of professional staff in youth work, exchange of scientific, reference and methodological materials, joint research and activities on various youth policy issues and engaging youth in entrepreneurial and innovative projects. The agreement also supports the activities of the SCO Youth Council, created in 2009.
Involvement in UPSC Civil Services Examination
One of the previous year questions in the UPSC Civil Services Examination included a query about whether India is a member of the SCO, along with two other organizations: the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). The correct answer was that India is a member of all three organizations.
Last Modified: February 15, 2024