Editorial 1: A bridge called SCO
Context:
Recent SCO summit provided a stage where terrorism was criticized, focus was on enhancing trade connectivity and increasing the opportunities in the globalised world. Also, it was highlighted that SCO has relevance beyond Eurasian region as it can acts as the voice of global south.
About SCO
- The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a permanent intergovernmental international organization founded in 2001 in Shanghai by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
- Later, India and Pakistan joined in 2017, making it the world’s largest regional organization in terms of geographical coverage and population.
- In 2023, Iran became the 9th full member.
- Observers: Afghanistan, Belarus, Mongolia.
- Dialogue partners include Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, etc.
- Headquarters: Beijing, China.
- Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) HQ: Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Its main objectives are:
- Strengthening mutual trust and good-neighborliness among member states.
- Promoting effective cooperation in politics, trade, economy, research, technology, culture, education, energy, transport, tourism, and environment.
- Maintaining and ensuring peace, security, and stability in the region.
- Establishing a democratic, fair, and rational new international political and economic order.
Criticizing Terrorism and Radicalism:
- In 25th SCO summit India has highlighted that its policy towards SCO is built on three pillars, namely S for security, C for connectivity and O for opportunities.
- PM Modi has highlighted that recent Pahalgam attacks were a threat to the humanity.
- Security and stability form the basis of growth and prosperity for India and World. It for the basis of nation’s economic development.
- However, terrorism, radicalism and separatism are considered to be challenges in modern times. They are global challenges moving beyond domestic boundaries.
- India has always voiced the importance of fighting this menace together.
- SCO-RATS has been significant in fight against terrorism at global stage. When India was part of its Joint Information Operation, it has taken measures against terror group Al-Qaeda and its affiliated terror organization. It has also proposed the joint measures between its members.
- India has criticized that some countries follow double standards by supporting terrorism. Terrorism anywhere is threat to humanity everywhere.
Increasing Connectivity:
- Connectivity increases the trade across borders. It also enhances the trust and development.
- India has taken many initiatives such as Chabhar Port, International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC). This will enhance connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia.
- India has also highlighted that any initiative to boost connectivity that violates sovereignty of any country is against the core principles of SCO charter. If it violates sovereignty, it loses the trust.
Opportunity-Third pillar:
- In 2023, during its presidency, India has added many new areas of cooperation such as start-ups, transitional medicine, youth development, and digital inclusion and shared Buddhist culture.
- India tried to provide opportunities for youth, scientists, and scholars of SCO countries.
- India has proposed the creation of Civilization Dialogue Forum under the SCO. It will increase people-to-people ties by allowing us to share the richness of ancient civilization art, literature, tradition at global level.
- India with its motto of “reform, perform, transform” is endeavoring to convert every challenge to opportunities for its people.
- It proposed that wide ranging reforms will create new opportunities for its people.
Relevance of SCO in present times:
- Four new centers are to be established to address the modern challenges of organized crime, drug trafficking, and cybersecurity.
- SCO members must increase their cooperation in global institution such as UNSC, World Bank, IMF.
- It must play an important role in promoting multilateralism and inclusive global order.
Way Forward:
Next year, Kyrgyzstan will host the SCO summit. India is facing threats such as arbitrary unilateral tariffs, border disputes, terrorism. In multilateral scenario, India must follow the policy the Non-Alignment with any major global powers. At the same time it must increase its engagement with Central Asian region. It must work with Central Asian countries to increase the relevance of SCO in today’s world. This will also increase its global position as rising responsible Global power.