The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was established in 2001 as a multilateral association designed to ensure security and maintain stability across the vast Eurasian region. Its mission is to join forces to counter emerging challenges and threats, and enhance trade, as well as cultural and humanitarian cooperation.
Before SCO’s formation in 2001, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan were part of an assembly known as the Shanghai Five, which originated from a series of border demarcation and demilitarization discussions held with China by the four former Soviet republics to safeguard stability along their borders. With the acceptance of Uzbekistan into the organization in 2001, the Shanghai Five became the SCO. The SCO Charter was endorsed in 2002 and came into effect in 2003.
The SCO has two official languages: Russian and Chinese and it also has two Permanent Bodies: the SCO Secretariat in Beijing and the Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent. The member nations comprise of Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan. Most recently, Iran’s application to become a full member of the SCO has been accepted.
Moving Towards a Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure
A crucial component of the SCO is the permanent body known as the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO-RATS). This platform fosters coordination and interaction between the SCO member states in their fight against terrorism, extremism, and separatism. One of its key functions includes sharing information. India, as a member, has actively engaged in the activities of the SCO-RATS. Its permanent membership could facilitate a more profound understanding amongst members for India’s perspective.
The Latest SCO’s Council Meeting
Recently, a meeting took place between the member nations of the SCO under the framework of the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS). This is the first such convening in India since Russia’s incursion into Ukraine and China’s infringement along the Line of Actual Control. The agenda for this meeting was to enhance cooperation in tackling various global and regional security challenges. India led the Council of Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of SCO (RATS SCO).
The key points discussed during the meet were the situation of Afghanistan and the security concerns that have risen due to the fall of Afghanistan under the control of the Taliban. India has asserted its strong wish to bolster its security collaboration with the SCO and its Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure, with an emphasis on security and defense issues.
India’s Diplomatic and Economic Relations with SCO
India’s interactions with the SCO have a significance beyond the regional anti-terror structure. India’s diplomatic and economic relations with the SCO have been actively pursued and have evolved over time. Bilateral relations between India and the SCO member states have also developed extensively. Each of these relationships, while governed by a common SCO framework, have their unique aspects, balancing India’s interests with those of the other member nations. Beyond strengthening security and defense, the relationships also harbor potential for deeper economic integration and cultural exchange.
