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.
