Recently, India has refused to sign a joint declaration at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' meeting in Qingdao, China.

Why did India refused to sign a Joint Declaration?

Double Standard for Terrorism: In the document, there was no mention of the recent Pahalgam attack but included militant activities in Balochistan.
- India emphasized that SCO should not hesitate to criticize nations that promoted cross-border terrorism.
Non-Negotiable Core Principles: India has consistently maintained that peace and terrorism cannot coexist, and this principle remains non-negotiable even in multilateral forums.

India's Strategic Opportunities within the SCO Framework

Engaging Central Asia/Geopolitical Outreach: SCO forum can be used to improve relations with Central Asian Republics (CARs).
- This complements the Connect Central Asia Policy.
Economic and Energy Cooperation: E.g., In 2022 Kazakhstan produced the largest share of uranium from mines (43% of world supply)
Promoting Regional Connectivity: E.g. International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)
Engaging with Pakistan and China: SCO acts as a diplomatic channel to maintain dialogue despite bilateral tensions.

What are India's concerns regarding SCO?

China's multilateral power play: China aims to transform the grouping into a China-led multilateral forum for regional geo-economic and strategic interests.
- E.g., Help BRI gain regional prominence.
Expansion Dilemma: Recently Belarus joined SCO; this raises its global profile but dilutes regional focus.
- SCO was instituted with the sole focus on Central Asia. Expansion could potentially drive members to seek alternative cooperation formats.
SCO's Effectiveness: The decisions of the SCO lack the necessary executive guarantee and as result, this organisation, like the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), has become merely a place to discuss and announce positions and views.
Perceived Anti-Western Group: SCO is sometimes viewed as an anti-western block, especially with the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving China, Russia, and Iran with the West.

How India balances Strategic Autonomy with multilateral engagement in the SCO?

Prioritizing Strategic National Interests over Chinese Interest: At the SCO 2023 summit in Pakistan, India refused to sign the paragraph that supported China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
- This also shows how India is tackling Pakistan-China Axis Agenda in a group.
Selective Participation with Principles: E.g., SCO's Regional Anti- Terrorist Structure (RATS) coordinates counter-terrorism efforts among member states.
Promoting Development-oriented platform: E.g., SCO Sub-Group on Cooperation in Traditional Medicine and Startups and Innovation
- This will ensure that SCO is not viewed as anti-western block.
Leveraging close Relationship with Russia: E.g. India and Russia cooperate on core agenda items in the SCO.

SCO genesis, members, structure, objective

Role of SCO in Reshaping Global Multilateral Order

SCO's global pivot: Covers approximately 80% of the Eurasian landmass and represents about 42% of the global population.
Rising Economic Clout: Member countries contribute around 25 % of the global GDP.
SCO's challenging Western Domination: SCO is emerging as an alternative to multilateral forums established by the Western countries to fulfill their interest.
Filling the Security Void: SCO addresses Afghanistan's security vacuum left by NATO alliances (led by the US), in 2021.
- Afghanistan Contact Group (ACG) was created by SCO in 2005 to maintain regional cooperation with Kabul.

Conclusion

India views the SCO as a vital platform for regional engagement, especially in Central Asia, but remains cautious of its China-centric tilt. India's balanced approach allows meaningful participation without compromising core values.