Recently, India hosted the SCO heads of governments meeting for the first time.
What are the outcomes of the meeting?
It aimed to develop a “Plan of Priority Practical Measures for 2021-2022” to overcome the socio-economic, financial and food consequences of COVID-19.
In the final statement, members said that they are committed to strengthen multilateralism and the principles in UN charter.
What are the differences seen in the meeting?
Neither Indian PM nor Pakistan PM attended the meeting.
In the final statement, both the countries statement on terrorism was in deviation.
India mentioned that cross-border terrorism is one of the biggest challenges & Pakistan’s representative too spoke of the need to combat state terrorism in disputed areas in reference to J&K.
Both India-Pakistan troops did not arrive to a conclusion on the issue of Regional Anti-Terror Structure.
India also mentioned the need for maintaining transparency and trust in trade practices with reference to China over the BRI.
How important is SCO for India?
SCO grouping referred as the “Asian NATO” though it did not have the mandate of security alliances.
With the decline in India’s engagement with SAARC, BBIN and the RCEP, SCO is one of the few regional structures to engage in.
It provides a convenient channel to maintain trade and strategic ties to Central Asian countries.
It is seen as a platform to conduct bilateral discussions & resolve the issues between India & China, Pakistan.
Amidst of LAC stand-off, India used SCO for talks with China.
On the whole, it seen by India to retains its geopolitical balance & maintains robust relation with the western world.
