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GS Paper -  2

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), commonly known as the Shanghai Pact, is a comprehensive alliance encompassing political, economic, and security aspects across continents.

It holds the distinction of being the most expansive regional organization globally, spanning around 60% of Eurasia's landmass, representing 40% of the global population, and contributing to over 20% of the world's GDP.

About Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

• The SCO is a permanent international intergovernmental organization.
• It operates in Eurasian countries and is dedicated to political, economic, and military cooperation for regional peace and stability.
• Founded in 2001.
• The SCO Charter, signed in 2002, came into effect in 2003.
• The Charter serves as a statutory document outlining the organization's objectives, principles, structure, and core activities.
• Russian and Chinese are the official languages of the SCO.

SCO: Background

• In 1996, the Shanghai Five, comprising China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan, established a mutual security agreement.
• On June 15, 2001, leaders from these nations, along with Uzbekistan, gathered in Shanghai to declare the formation of a new organization characterized by enhanced political and economic connections.
• The signing of the SCO Charter took place on July 7, 2002, and it became operational on September 19, 2003.
• Since then, the organization has expanded to include eight members, with India and Pakistan becoming part of it on June 9, 2017.
• Several other countries participate as observers or partners.

SCO: Objectives

• Ensuring security and stability across the expansive Eurasian region.
• Collaborating in response to emerging threats and challenges.
• Enhancing trade, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation.
• Promoting joint efforts among members to address threats like terrorism, extremism, and separatism.

Member Countries of SCO

SCO: Structure And Working

• The Heads of State Council (HSC) is the top decision-making body, meeting annually to address major issues.
• The Heads of Government Council (HGC) convenes yearly to discuss multilateral cooperation and economic issues.

• Permanent bodies include 

• The SCO Secretariat in Beijing 
•  The RATS Executive Committee in Tashkent.
• The Council of Heads of State appoints 
• The SCO RATS Executive Committee Director 
• The SCO Secretary-General for three-year terms.

What advantages does India gain from its participation in the SCO?

• The SCO serves as a valuable platform for India to engage with Central Asian nations, fostering strong connections based on historical ties.
• India relies on Central Asia and Afghanistan for security, energy, connectivity, trade, and economic development.
• Prioritizing people-centric initiatives within the SCO, India has bolstered cultural, economic, and trade cooperation.
• India's active involvement in the SCO demonstrates its commitment to expanding partnerships and contributing to regional peace and prosperity.

Challenges for India within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) 

• Impact of Pakistan's Entry:

• Inclusion of Pakistan in the SCO presents challenges for India.
• China and Russia, as co-founders and influential powers, might limit India's assertiveness within the organization.
• This dynamic could potentially relegate India to a secondary role in certain matters.

• Constraints from Dominant Powers:

• China and Russia's influential roles as dominant founders of the SCO can impact India's ability to assert itself effectively.
• This influence may create a situation where India is compelled to play a secondary role within the organization.

• Balancing Act with Anti-Western Stance:
  
  
• The historical anti-Western stance of the SCO presents a dilemma for India.
• India may need to carefully balance its growing partnerships with Western nations against its commitments within the SCO.
  
  
• Security Challenges:

• The SCO grapples with security challenges such as terrorism, extremism, and separatism.
• Other issues include drug and weapons trafficking, as well as concerns related to illegal immigration.

• Complex Decision-Making Dynamics:

• Despite geographical proximity, decision-making within the SCO is complicated.
• Rich diversity among member countries in terms of histories, languages, national interests, forms of government, wealth, and culture adds complexity to the decision-making process.

Conclusion

As the SCO gains increasing significance in the Asia-Pacific region, it is commonly recognized as the "East's alliance" and stands as a key security foundation for the area. Several nations may attain full membership, while others could participate as observers or guests. Given evolving geopolitics and regional demands, there might be a need to amend the SCO's charter to address these changes. Foreseeably, the Charter's expansion and enhancement are anticipated. The SCO is poised for a promising future, holding the potential to contribute to the prosperity of the region.