Archive · 1 Jul 2025
India Questions SCO Utility Amidst China, Pakistan Strains
India is rethinking its involvement with the SCO, an organization involving countries like China, Russia, and Pakistan.
India didn't agree to a recent statement because Pakistan and China tried to focus on issues that India disagreed with, like linking India to the Balochistan freedom movement.
India believes that the SCO is becoming less useful because of disagreements over terrorism and China's increasing influence.
India is also working with other groups and countries to meet its goals.
As a result, India may reduce its participation with the SCO.
India refused to endorse a joint statement at the SCO due to concerns over terrorism and attempts to link India to the Baloch freedom movement.
China backed Pakistan's efforts to include contentious issues in the statement, which India opposed.
Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of holding those who support terrorism accountable during the SCO meeting.
India has shown increasing disinterest in SCO, including hosting the Heads of State summit virtually and distancing itself from SCO's stance on Israel.
India faces challenges within SCO due to China-Pakistan collusion, unresolved borders, and terrorism concerns.
- Who
- India, China, and Pakistan are the primary actors involved, along with other SCO member states.
- What
- India is reevaluating its involvement in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) due to various strategic and diplomatic disagreements.
- When
- Recent developments and the SCO Shanghai Cooperation Ministers’ summit in Beijing.
- Where
- Primarily within the SCO framework and related to India, China, and Pakistan.
- Why
- India has concerns about terrorism, China-Pakistan collusion, and a perceived lack of benefit in continuing its SCO membership.
India's Perspective
China/Pakistan Perspective
Strategic Priorities
India's Perspective
India wants to highlight terrorism concerns and avoid being associated with actions it deems unfavorable.
China/Pakistan Perspective
China and Pakistan may prioritize their own interests within the SCO, potentially sidelining India's concerns.
Diplomatic Stance
India's Perspective
India values its strategic autonomy and seeks to protect its national interests.
China/Pakistan Perspective
China and Pakistan appear to be working together to undermine India's positions.
- SCO Membership
- India and Pakistan joined in 2017.
- Joint Statement
- India refused to endorse due to terrorism concerns.
- Rajnath Singh's Address
- He emphasized holding sponsors of terrorism accountable.
- G20 Declaration
- India successfully orchestrated the New Delhi declaration.
- India's Stance
- Distanced itself from SCO's comment on Israel.
