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India Engagement at the Twenty Sixth SCO Summit in Bishkek

Source:PIB ↗

Why It Matters

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a critical multilateral platform for India's Eurasian policy, counter-terrorism cooperation (via RATS), and energy security in Central Asia. Understanding India's role at SCO summits is vital for GS2 International Relations.

Summary

The Prime Minister participated in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, highlighting India's proactive diplomatic engagement, security cooperation, and economic ties with Eurasian and Central Asian partners.

Key Points

  • Prime Minister participated in the 26th SCO Summit held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic.
  • Discussed regional security, economic cooperation, connectivity, and counter-terrorism within the SCO framework.
  • Reiterated India's commitment to enhancing deeper engagement with Central Asian nations and Eurasia.

Important Terms

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

A permanent intergovernmental Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance founded in 2001 in Shanghai, evolving from the Shanghai Five. Its mandate centers on regional stability, trade, and combating the "three evils" of terrorism, separatism, and extremism.

UPSC context

Important for UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 under international groupings, regional security, and India's diplomatic engagement with Eurasia and Central Asia.

Source
SCO

An intergovernmental Eurasian economic, political, and security organization headquartered in Beijing, with its Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) based in Tashkent. India became a full member in 2017.

UPSC context

Tested in Prelims (permanent bodies, member states) and Mains (strategic significance, connectivity, and counter-terrorism cooperation for India).

Source

Static Concepts Connected

International Relations / Regional Groupings

What are the core permanent organs and key mechanisms of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)?

  • Permanent Organs: The two permanent administrative bodies are the SCO Secretariat in Beijing and the Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent.
  • India's Membership: India became a full member of the SCO alongside Pakistan during the Astana Summit in June 2017.
  • Decision Making: SCO decisions are made strictly by consensus, making bilateral resolutions and regional diplomatic balancing crucial for member states.

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • SCO Diplomacy + INSTC Connectivity Linkages

    India's outreach through the SCO complements its bilateral 'Connect Central Asia' policy and strategic transport corridors like the INSTC, balancing continental and maritime security.

  • SCO RATS + Regional Counter-Terrorism Architecture

    Multilateral platforms like the SCO serve as unique venues for India to engage simultaneously with regional adversaries and partners on counter-terrorism via the RATS mechanism.

Expect a statement-based question evaluating India's permanent membership timeline in SCO and its core mandate, including RATS.

Linked PYQs · 2

Linked PYQs · 2

  • 2021MainsGS2

    Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India?

  • 2023MainsGS2

    ‘Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO’ In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating the problems.