Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)

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Why in News?

China is set to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin (Aug 31–Sep 1), chaired by President Xi Jinping, with leaders including PM Modi, Putin, and Guterres, focusing on regional solidarity, multilateralism, security, and development amid global uncertainties.

Description:

  • 1996: Shanghai Five (China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan).
  • 2001: Uzbekistan joined → renamed SCO (Shanghai Summit).
  • 2017: India & Pakistan admitted as full members (Astana Summit).
  • 2021: Iran became a full member.
  • HQ: Beijing, China.
  • RATS HQ: Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
  • Official languages: Russian & Chinese.
  • Core philosophy: “Shanghai Spirit” = mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, cultural respect, common development.

Membership:

  • Full Members (9): China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, Iran.
  • Observers: Afghanistan, Belarus, Mongolia.
  • Dialogue Partners: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Egypt, Nepal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia.

Organizational Structure:

  1. Council of Heads of State – Highest decision-making body.
  2. Council of Heads of Government – Second level; focuses on multilateral cooperation.
  3. Council of Foreign Ministers – Coordinates foreign policy.
  4. Council of National Coordinators – Manages ongoing activities.
  5. Secretariat (Beijing) – Main permanent body, headed by Secretary-General.
  6. RATS (Tashkent) – Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (focus: terrorism, separatism, extremism).
  7. SCO Business Council – Promotes trade & investment.
  8. SCO Interbank Consortium – Financial cooperation.

Objectives of SCO:

  • Strengthen political, economic & cultural ties.
  • Safeguard regional peace, stability & security.
  • Promote cooperation in energy, transport, tourism, environment.
  • Create a democratic, equitable international order.
  • Counter the “Three Evils” – terrorism, separatism, extremism.

Significance:

  • Covers 40% of world population, 22% of landmass, 20% of global GDP.
  • Acts as a security bloc + economic platform.
  • Holds regular “Peace Mission” joint military drills.
  • Counterweight to Western blocs (NATO, QUAD).

Importance for India:

  • Counter-terrorism cooperation (esp. vs Pakistan-based groups).
  • Central Asia Connect Policy → access to resources, connectivity.
  • Platform for multilateral diplomacy with China, Russia, Pakistan simultaneously.
  • Push for Chabahar port & INSTC connectivity.
  • Energy security (oil & gas from Central Asia, Iran, Russia).
Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO):

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