India’s Diminishing Returns from Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Membership

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India's Diminishing Returns from Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Membership

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The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), established in 2001 by China, Russia, and Central Asian states, expanded to include India and Pakistan as full members in 2017. The organization’s stated goals include promoting cooperation in politics, economics, and security, with a strong emphasis on combating terrorism, extremism, and separatism.

However, India’s experience within the SCO has been complicated by its geopolitical rivalries, particularly with China and Pakistan. While India initially sought SCO membership to enhance its role in its extended neighborhood, gain access to Central Asian resources, and engage with Russia, its objectives have been constrained.

One of India’s main priorities within the SCO has been to address terrorism, especially along its northwestern border. However, despite the SCO’s anti-terrorism mandate, India has found the organization ineffective in tackling state-sponsored terrorism, partly due to differing interests among member states, including China and Pakistan. India has also used the SCO forum to criticize initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which it views as a violation of its sovereignty.

Furthermore, India faces a significant trade deficit with China, amounting to approximately $100 billion, and its long-standing border disputes with China continue to be a major challenge. While India maintains close ties with Russia, particularly for oil imports and military equipment, it is also cautious of Russia’s deepening relationship with China. This complex dynamic, coupled with China’s growing influence within the SCO, has led India to increasingly look towards partnerships with countries like the United States for its security and strategic policy.

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