Archive · 29 Aug 2026
India Urged to Take More Active Role in SCO
India has been trying for many years to build stronger relationships with Central Asian countries.
It has made partnerships and joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, or SCO, but its influence there is still limited.
Problems with Pakistan and instability in Afghanistan have made travel, trade, and energy connections difficult.
Routes through Iran have also faced sanctions and other obstacles.
The SCO includes countries from Central Asia and South Asia, as well as Iran.
The article says India should become more active in the group instead of mainly arguing with China and Pakistan.
Better relations between India and China may create new opportunities.
India could suggest projects involving trade, energy, and transportation.
These efforts could also help India work more closely with other Eurasian countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visits to Tashkent and Bishkek offer an opportunity to reassess India’s Central Asia strategy.
India joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation as a full member in 2017 but remains a relatively marginal regional player.
Relations with Pakistan, instability in Afghanistan, and constraints involving Iran have limited India’s connectivity and economic ambitions.
The SCO has expanded to ten members and fifteen dialogue partners while retaining Central Asia as its core.
The article argues that India should promote ambitious energy, trade, and connectivity projects as ties with China reset.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India, and the members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
- What
- India is being urged to reassess its Central Asia strategy and pursue a more proactive role in the SCO.
- When
- During Modi’s visits to Tashkent and the 26th SCO meeting in Bishkek; no specific date is provided.
- Where
- Tashkent and Bishkek, within the broader Central Asian and Eurasian region.
- Why
- India’s regional ambitions have been constrained by difficult relations with Pakistan, instability in Afghanistan, sanctions affecting Iran-linked connectivity, and its limited influence in Central Asia.
- India’s SCO membership
- India became a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in 2017.
- Central Asia policy
- India announced its 12-point Connect Central Asia policy in 2012.
- Modi’s 2015 visit
- Narendra Modi visited all five Central Asian republics in 2015.
- SCO membership
- The organisation has expanded to ten members and fifteen dialogue partners.
- SCO agenda
- Security remains a major issue, alongside the stated Bishkek meeting themes of peace, development, and prosperity.
- Proposed priorities
- The article recommends Indian initiatives in regional energy, trade, and connectivity.