Sahyadri IAS

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Syllabus: GS 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Practice Question for Mains: Discuss the strategic importance of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) for India, considering its role in regional stability and counter-terrorism. What challenges does India face within the SCO, and how can it enhance its engagement to safeguard national interests?

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed boundary issues and the need for mutual respect at the SCO Council meeting.

On 4th July (Thursday), the concluding day of the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar engaged in talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
These discussions are part of ongoing diplomatic efforts amidst complex regional dynamics.
Jaishankar’s participation and subsequent remarks on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored India’s commitment to the SCO, highlighting its importance in India’s foreign policy framework.
Additionally, Jaishankar extended congratulations to Belarus for becoming the newest member of the SCO.
Both emphasised the importance of resolving the border standoff in Eastern Ladakh to restore bilateral relations and ensure peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

India – China Border Tensions:

Contentious Regions: Aksai Chin: Administered by China, claimed by India as part of Ladakh.
Arunachal Pradesh: Administered by India, claimed by China as South Tibet.
Sikkim Border: Tensions over Doklam plateau, where Bhutan also has territorial claims.
Issues Associated: Historical Disputes: Rooted in differing interpretations of colonial-era agreements and the absence of a mutually accepted border.
Strategic Infrastructure: Both nations are rapidly developing infrastructure near the border, leading to military standoffs.
Military Build-up: Increased troop deployments and fortifications on both sides escalate tensions and risk conflicts.
Economic Impacts: Disputes disrupt trade and economic cooperation, impacting regional stability.
Political Ramifications: Nationalistic sentiments in both countries complicate diplomatic negotiations.
Environmental Concerns: Militarization and infrastructure projects in fragile Himalayan ecosystems pose environmental risks.
Border Management: Frequent skirmishes and patrol clashes necessitate enhanced border management protocols to avoid escalation.

The membership of SCO has expanded since 2001, and it currently has eight member states.

1996: ‘Shanghai Five’ established by Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan.

2001: After adding Uzbekistan in 2001, the Shanghai Five was renamed the SCO.

2015: At Ufa, Russia, the SCO decided to admit India and Pakistan as full members.

2016: India and Pakistan signed the memorandum of obligations in Tashkent (Uzbekistan), thereby starting the formal process of joining the SCO as full members.

2017: At Astana, India and Pakistan officially joined SCO as full members

2021: It was announced that Iran would become a full member of the SCO.