SCO Must Remain Uncompromising on Terrorism: EAM Jaishankar at Tianjin Meet

Speaking at the SCO Council of Foreign ministers held in China, the External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar demanded a tough and strictly no-nonsense attitude to the brand of terrorism that presented itself in the world. He mentioned the April 22 attack on tourists in the Pahalgam area of Jammu & Kashmir saying that this was intended to create fissures along community lines and damage the economy. Highlighting the principles of creation of SCO in order to prevent the terrorism, separatism, and extremism, he called on the members to take decisive steps. Trade barriers were also mentioned by Jaishankar, who insisted on greater connectivity through the International North-South Transport Corridor. Chinese President Xi Jinping, the FM of Pakistan and other important regional leaders attended the meeting.

Context:

• The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is the Eurasian, economical, political, and security alliance and was established in 2001 to fight the so-called three evils: terrorism, separatism, and extremism. 

• The Indian presence in the SCO is also on the regional strategic interests besides its agenda on enhancing the global interests on terrorism. 

• The SCO-CFM 2025 gathering in Tianjin, China, gave India a chance to raise its security concerns in front of the upcoming SCO Leaders Summit (Aug 31-Sep 1).

Key Points:

The Strong Stance of India toward terrorism:

• Pahalgam Attack (Apr 22):It focused on the tourists in J&K; it was a premeditated one to trouble peace and create communal disharmony.

• Message by Jaishankar: SCO should not lose focus on its fundamental mission, that is, zero tolerance on terrorism, no matter how geopolitically sensitive the situation is.

• Referring to the UNSC Resolution: India called on SCO to endorse action on the basis of the April UNSC resolution that was related to the attack.

About SCO

• The SCO officially encompassed India in 2017 together with Pakistan.

• The SCO is becoming relevant due to changing geopolitical horizons of Asia, instability in Afghanistan, and ever-growing multipolarity in the world.

• In 2023, India was a host to the SCO Summit, which affirmed its presence in Eurasia diplomacy.

SCO goals:

• Enhance trust between and amongst member states and neighbourly ties.

• Foster political, economic, trade, energy, transport, tourism, environmental and cultural interaction.

• Celebrate peace, security and stability in the region.

• Foster a democratic, fair international political and economic order.
  Combat the “three evils”: terrorism, separatism, and extremism.

Composition of SCO:

Organizational Structure:

• Council of Heads of State: The paramount decision making organ.

• Council of Heads of Government: Cooperation in economy and trade.

• Council of Foreign Ministers: Organizes the foreign policy.

• RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure): located in Tashkent, responsible to counter-terrorism.

• SCO Secretariat: Admin unit located at Beijing.

The importance of SCO:

• Geostrategic Coverage: Has 40 % of the world population and 22 % land mass.

• Security cooperation: The cooperation strengthens with military exercises, e.g. the Peace Mission.

• Economic integration: Advancement of trade, energy as well as connectivity in Eurasia.

• Opposite to Western blocs: Provides the regional alternative to NATO, QUAD.

• Forum of dialogue: Assists in cooling down regional tensions such as Indo-Pakistan tensions.

The significance to India of SCO:

• Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: is important in combating cross border terrorism.

• India gets a verdict – Access to Central Asia: Enhances Indian Connect Central Asia.

• Strategic Dialogue with China & Russia: Provides a neutral platform.

• Stability in Afghanistan: India can help in positive ways after the withdrawal of the US.

• Energy Security: The energy resources located in Central Asia can supplement India.

• Economic Diplomacy: Helps to increase the trading and investment in the region.

• Cultural Exchange & Tourism: Member states share similarities in civilization hence people to people contacts.

Way Forward of India:

• Enhance interaction by means of regional initiatives (Chabahar Port, INSTC).

• Increase trade with the use of national currencies to cut down on USD reliance.

• Nurture the concept of digital and cyber collaboration as growth areas of the future.

• Use RATS to bring to spotlight terrorism concerns by Pakistan.

• Multilateral diplomacy using the SCO platform regarding Central Asia and Eurasia.

• Improve cultural diplomacy using Buddhism, Ayurveda as well as yoga.

• Soft power will be demonstrated by supporting the humanitarian needs of Afghanistan.

Conclusion:

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a key pillar of India's engagement in Eurasia. As much as it has strategic advantages as far as counterterrorism, connectivity, and even multilateralism are concerned, geopolitical issues posed by the opposing neighbours require India to streamline its interests. India is placed in a good position to make a fruitful and effective contribution to the stable and multipolar Asia by utilizing its soft power and strategic autonomy, and by its developmental priorities.