What is the issue?
The upcoming SCO Summit in June is expected to open new vistas for India in terms of anti-terrorism and improving regional ties.
What is the SCO?
- The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a multi-government organisation formed in 2001 by China, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
- It was launched as an expression of greater coordination among the major powers in the Eurasian region after the cold war.
- And it aimed to create a fair and rational new international political and economic order.
- Its agenda was shaped under the Shanghai Five Mechanism which included violent liberation movements and counter-terrorism efforts against the growing unilateral moves by the US.
- The Organisation served as a platform to facilitate warmer ties among its members by enhancing cooperation on various fronts.
- The SCO also played a major role in helping China resolve its border problems with the Central Asian region.
What is the significance of this upcoming summit to India?
- This is the first full-fledged summit after India’s membership in 2017.
- India is expected to participate in all activities of SCO Secretariat in Beijing.
- It will also gain access to the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) which provides a rare platform for regional cooperation to counter-terrorism.
- India along with all the members including Pakistan will participate in counter-terrorism exercises.
- This summit is likely to push for Iran’s formal entry into SCO as a signal against the US withdrawal from Iran nuclear deal.
- Hence it will be an opportunity for India to reset its regional ties with China and Russia as they navigate the adverse impacts of U.S. Treasury sanctions.
Source: The Hindu
