The recent news headlines have been dominated by India’s assumption of the Chairmanship of The Council of Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (RATS-SCO) for 2021. This is significant because the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), in collaboration with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI), has organized a seminar focusing on securing cyberspace given the current threat environment.
About RATS-SCO
The SCO-RATS is a permanent body of the SCO designed to facilitate coordination and interaction between member states in the fight against terrorism, extremism, and separatism. The main functions involve coordination and information sharing. India, now permanently included, will contribute its perspective and actively participate in SCO-RATS activities.
Basics of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
Created in 2001, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) offers a platform for multilateral associations aimed at ensuring security and stability across the vast Eurasian region. Its members initially included Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan, known collectively as Shanghai Five. With Uzbekistan joining in 2001, the group was renamed SCO. The organization uses Russian and Chinese as its official languages and primarily operates from Beijing and Tashkent.
India’s Association with SCO
India became an SCO member in 2017. This move has various implications for India, including enabling regional security, enhanced engagement with regional structures, connectivity with Central Asia, and constructive engagement with China and Pakistan. Iran’s recent bid approval to become a full SCO member also makes headlines.
India’s SCO Advantages and Challenges
India’s SCO membership helps neutralize forces arising from religious extremism and terrorism in the region. It offers a unique channel to expand trade and strategic ties to Central Asian countries, underpinning India’s Connect Central Asia policy from 2012. However, challenges exist, such as the absence of direct land connectivity to Eurasia, Russia-China convergence, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and India-Pakistan rivalry.
The Concept of SECURE
Indian Prime Minister has emphasized the strategic importance of the SCO by articulating the foundational dimension of Eurasia being ‘SECURE’. This acronym stands for Security of our citizens, Economic development for all, Connecting the region, Unite our people, Respect for Sovereignty and Integrity, and Environment protection.
The Way Forward
Despite challenges, improved connectivity with Central Asia utilizing the opening of the Chabahar port and India’s entry into the Ashgabat agreement are promising steps forward. Also, setting up a peaceful co-existence setup with China, operationalizing International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), and strengthening military cooperation among SCO countries will enable a stronger Indian presence in Eurasia.