Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)

India, in 2005, acquired the observer status in the SCO. It has also expressed its desire to join the SCO as a full member. It is believed that China would try and delay India's entry as full member in this regional organisation, whereas Russia along with the Central Asian countries would continue to support India's full membership in the SCO. New regional and global order would demand greater cooperation between India and China in future.

• Meena Singh Roy
• 2014
• Monograph

The efficacy of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure will depend on the member-states’ ability to focus on countering terrorism concerns while managing their divergent regional interests.

• Nikhil Guvvadi
• December 29, 2022
• IDSA Comments

The main focus of the 22nd Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Samarkand was on strengthening regional cooperation and trade connectivity in Eurasia.

• Jason Wahlang
• November 14, 2022
• Backgrounder

While India may not be a major actor in Central Asia yet it remains an important vector in the regional calculus of the Central Asian Republics. India’s multi-alignment should hold it in good stead in navigating the opportunities and challenges in a region which lies at a proverbial stone’s throw from New Delhi.

• Rajorshi Roy
• January 27, 2022
• IDSA Comments

India should institute regular strategic and security dialogue and conferences to discuss issues of common interests and identify priority actions for stronger cooperation with SCO countries.

• P. Stobdan
• April 16, 2018
• IDSA Comments

This Backgrounder evaluates the possible advantages and challenges stemming from India’s membership in SCO.

• Parth Sarthi Suhag
• August 29, 2017
• Backgrounder

India should use SCO for building convergences with China and Russia as well as minimise the intensity of China-Pakistan alignment which undercuts India’s direct access to Eurasia.

• P. Stobdan
• June 05, 2017
• IDSA Comments

SCO will need to assume responsibility for providing security in Afghanistan in the aftermath of the withdrawal of ISAF forces.

• Ashok Sajjanhar
• June 30, 2016
• IDSA Comments

India cannot be taking other than a cooperative position if it wants to genuinely exploit opportunities that SCO processes may offer. Any policy on connectivity underpinned by a spirit of rivalry will make India an odd one out.

• P. Stobdan
• June 15, 2016
• IDSA Comments

India’s objective lies not in offsetting the interests of either the US or China but to walk towards its own destiny of serving humanity and global peace.

• P. Stobdan
• June 14, 2016
• Policy Brief