CONTEXT:
In an address at the virtual meet of the council of heads of government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu particularly mentioned about cross-border terrorism and called for combating the menace under a collective approach.
BACKGROUND:
SCO
- SCO is a significant organization that has a vast geographic expanse and is important for Central Asia, South-Asia and Asia-Pacific region.
- It is a major Eurasian organization that represents half of the world’s population.
Members:
The SCO has eight members namely
- India,
- Kazakhstan,
- China,
- Kyrgyzstan,
- Pakistan,
- Russia,
- Tajikistan
- Uzbekistan,
Observer states:
- Afghanistan,
- Belarus,
- Iran and
- Mongolia.
India joined SCO in 2017 at the insistence of Russia, and China balanced India’s entry with the entry of Pakistan.
IMPORTANCE:
- The organization comprises four major nuclear powers operating in the area viz. India, Russia, China, and Pakistan.
- It has the capacity to counterbalance North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), therefore, it is sometimes considered as “alliance of the East”, i.e, the Eastern complementary of NATO.
- SCO has an evolving mandate which started off by being an economic, political, cultural and regional security organization.
- But with time, the security (military coordination, cyber coordination, etc.) aspect gained prominence.
Its mandate includes:
- Promoting mutual trust and cooperation in politics, trade, economy, research, technology and culture amongst the member states.
- Enhancing ties in areas like education, energy, transport, tourism, environmental protection and healthcare.
- Maintaining and ensuring peace, security and stability in the region.
- Moving towards the establishment of democratic, fair and rational international political and economic order.
Importance for India:
- Historical Significance
- Diplomatic Ties
- Military.
- Connectivity
- Economic Factor
Challenges:
- Associated Projects
- Accessibility
- Geopolitical Concerns
CONCLUSION:
India’s soft power could be harnessed so as to end the mysterious perception that is prevalent in the hinterland areas of China regarding India’s aura.
SOURCE: RSTV