India’s engagement with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) continues to deepen in 2025. At the 25th SCO Summit, India reaffirmed its commitment to the organisation’s core goals. The Indian leadership brought into light three main pillars guiding its policy – Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity. These pillars reflect India’s approach to regional cooperation and global challenges within the Eurasian context.
Security – Combating Terrorism and Ensuring Stability
Security remains the foremost priority for India within the SCO framework. Terrorism, separatism, and extremism are seen as threats not only to individual nations but to global peace. India has actively led initiatives under SCO-RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure) to counter terrorist groups like al-Qaeda. It has promoted joint intelligence sharing, coordinated actions against radicalisation, and fought terror financing. India’s emphasis is on unity against terrorism and rejecting double standards. The country’s experience with terrorism, including recent attacks, underpins its call for collective resolve and shared responsibility.
Connectivity – Building Trust through Infrastructure and Linkages
Connectivity is viewed as a key enabler of trust and development. India supports projects such as the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor to strengthen links with Afghanistan and Central Asia. These initiatives aim to enhance trade and cooperation while respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity. India stresses that connectivity must not bypass national sovereignty, as this undermines trust and the effectiveness of cooperation. The SCO charter’s principles guide India’s stance on infrastructure and regional linkages.
Opportunity – Expanding Cooperation Beyond Governments
India seeks to broaden SCO cooperation to include innovation, youth empowerment, traditional medicine, digital inclusion, and cultural heritage. Under India’s presidency in 2023, new areas such as start-ups and shared Buddhist heritage were introduced. India proposes establishing a civilisational dialogue forum to showcase ancient cultures, arts, and traditions within the SCO framework. This aims to encourage people-to-people connections beyond state actors and create a platform for cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
Reform and Multilateralism – Advocating Global Institutional Change
India supports reforms in global institutions to better represent the aspirations of the Global South. The SCO is seen as a platform to promote multilateralism and an inclusive world order. India welcomes new SCO centres addressing organised crime, drug trafficking, and cybersecurity. It calls for the SCO to lead in advocating United Nations reforms, reflecting the evolving needs of the international community. India’s motto of Reform, Perform, and Transform guides its efforts to convert challenges into opportunities for national and regional development.
India’s Vision for SCO’s Future
India envisions the SCO as a dynamic organisation evolving with the times. It encourages deeper cooperation among member states and partners. India extends support to the incoming SCO Chairperson and reaffirms its constructive role. The focus remains on peace, connectivity, opportunity, and reform to build a stable and prosperous Eurasian region.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss India’s approach to regional security within multilateral organisations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and its impact on counter-terrorism efforts.
- Examine the role of connectivity projects such as the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor in enhancing India’s strategic and economic interests in Central Asia.
- With suitable examples, discuss the importance of cultural diplomacy and people-to-people ties in strengthening international organisations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
- Analyse the need for reforms in global institutions such as the United Nations in the context of rising powers and the aspirations of the Global South. How can regional groups like the SCO contribute to this process?
