India @ SCO Summit in Pakistan

INDIA @ SCO SUMMIT IN PAKISTAN

Date: October 16, 2024 Delivered by: Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India Location: Islamabad

Introduction:

Congratulatory Note: Dr. Jaishankar extended congratulations to Pakistan for its presidency of the SCO Council of Heads of Government for the year 2024. He affirmed India’s full support for a successful presidency.

ABOUT SCO

The grouping came into existence in Shanghai in 2001.

Its name comes from its origins in the “Shanghai Five”, formed in 1996 and consisting of:

• China
• Russia
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan and

THE BACKGROUND

With the dissolution of the USSR in 1991 into 15 independent countries, there were concerns in the region about extremist religious groups and ethnic tensions coming to the fore. To manage these issues, a grouping was created for cooperation on security matters.

Building on this, SCO was established on June 15, 2001, as an international organisation and also included Uzbekistan as a sixth member.

PRESENT MEMBERSHIP

With further expansions, it currently has 10 members:

OBSERVER MEMBERS: AFGHANISTAN MONGOLIA.

• Russia
• Tajikistan
• Uzbekistan
• Kazakhstan
• China
• Kyrgyzstan
• Pakistan (2017)
• India (2017)
• Iran (2023).
• Belarus (2024)

AIMS OF SCO

The main objectives of the SCO are as follows:

• Strengthening mutual trust, friendship and neighborly relations among the member states;
• Promoting effective cooperation in political, trade, economic, scientific, technical, and cultural spheres as well as in the realm of educational, energy, transport, tourism, environmental protection, and other areas;
• Jointly maintaining and safeguarding of peace, security and stability in the region; and
• Fostering creation of democratic, fair and rational new international political and economic order.

SIGNIFICANCE OF SCO

• SCO is one of the few international organisations which deal with security issues and primarily has Asian members.
• Regional heavyweights Russia and China have stressed its position as an alternative to a “Western” international order.
• Along with the BRICS grouping, which has India, South Africa and Brazil as well, Russia & China are seen positioning against US influence.
• The Central Asian Republics (CAR) ie Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan & Tajikistan (Turkmenistan is also part of CAR but not of SCO) often considered as backyard of Russia are a major source of Oil & Natural Gas. These resources are vital for projects like BRI of China & overall Energy Security.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR INDIA

• On one level, SCO membership allows India to participate in a forum which enhances its scope of cooperation with Central Asian countries, which have not had particularly close relations with India since their formation in 1991.
• It also matters for maintaining communication with major actors in the region on common security issues.
  • For example, an important permanent structure within the SCO is the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS).
  • It assists members in the preparation and staging of counter-terrorism exercises, analyses key intelligence information coming in from the member states, and shares information on terrorist movements and drug trafficking.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NOTE DELIVERED

Difficult Times: The statement opens by acknowledging that the world is facing significant challenges:

• Two Major Conflicts: Refers to ongoing geopolitical conflicts that are impacting global stability.
• COVID-19 Pandemic: Highlights the effects of the pandemic on many developing nations, emphasizing long-term repercussions.
• Disruptions: Mentions various types of disruptions:
  • Extreme Climate Events: Such as natural disasters affecting agriculture and livelihoods.
  • Supply Chain Uncertainties: Resulting from disruptions in trade routes and production.
  • Financial Volatility: Fluctuations in financial markets affecting economies.
• Debt Concerns: The rising debt levels in many countries hinder their development and capacity to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

SCO’s Charter and Objectives:

• Reflection on the Charter:

1. Jaishankar urges members to consider Article 1 of the SCO Charter, which outlines the organization’s goals:

• • Strengthening Mutual Trust: Building confidence among member states.
  • Friendship and Good Neighbourliness: Fostering positive relationships.
  • Multi-faceted Cooperation: Encouraging collaboration across various sectors, especially regional.
  • Balanced Growth and Integration: Ensuring that development is equitable and inclusive.
  • Conflict Prevention: Taking proactive measures to avoid disputes.

Need for Honest Conversation:

• Introspection Required:
  • If trust, cooperation, and friendship are lacking, it is essential to understand the reasons behind these shortcomings.
  • The necessity of reaffirming commitment to the Charter is highlighted, as it is crucial for realizing the benefits of cooperation.

The Global Shift towards Multi-Polarity:

• Acknowledgment of Change:
  • The world is transitioning towards a multi-polar structure, creating new opportunities for:
    • Trade: Increased cross-border commerce.
    • Investment: Enhanced foreign direct investment opportunities.
    • Connectivity: Improved transportation and communication networks.
    • Energy Flows: More diverse energy partnerships.

Principles of Cooperation:

• Mutual Respect and Sovereign Equality:
  • Emphasizes that cooperation must be founded on respect for each nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
  • Partnerships should be genuine, avoiding any unilateral agendas.

Commitment to the SCO Charter:

• Importance of Development and Stability:
  • Development and stability are contingent on a collective stance against the “three evils”:
    • Terrorism
    • Extremism
    • Separatism

Potential for Cooperation:

• Gains from Collaboration:
  • Jaishankar outlines several areas where cooperation could lead to substantial benefits:
    • Industrial Cooperation: Enhances competitiveness and labor market expansion.
    • MSME Collaboration: Small and medium enterprises can contribute significantly to employment.
    • Investment Flows: Collective efforts can stimulate more investment opportunities.
    • Logistics and Energy Efficiency: Improved processes can enhance both logistics and energy sectors.
    • Environmental Protection and Climate Action: Collaborative projects can address environmental challenges.
    • Healthcare: Shared capabilities in pharmaceuticals can improve health security.
    • Cultural and Educational Exchanges: Areas like culture, education, and sports offer rich avenues for collaboration.

India’s Global Initiatives:

• Relevant Global Contributions:
  • Jaishankar highlights India’s initiatives that align with SCO objectives:
    • International Solar Alliance: Promotes the use of solar energy.
    • Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure: Prepares nations for climate-related disasters.
    • Mission LiFE: Advocates for sustainable living practices.
    • Promotion of Yoga and Millets: Aims at wellness and environmental sustainability.
    • Global Biofuel Alliance: Focuses on transitioning to renewable energy sources.
    • International Big Cat Alliance: Works to protect biodiversity.

Domestic Successes:

• Mentioned India’s digital public infrastructure and initiatives aimed at women-led development.

Reforming Global Institutions:

• Call for Reformed Multilateralism:
  • As the global order evolves, there is an increasing need for global institutions to adapt.
  • Advocated for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council to ensure adequate representation of developing countries.
  • Reiterated the importance of the SCO taking a leadership role in advocating for such reforms.

Renewing Commitment:

• Focus on Pathways Forward:
  • Urged member states to renew their resolve to achieve the objectives of the SCO.
  • Emphasized the need to recognize current constraints on cooperation and focus on mutual interests.
  • Stressed adherence to the principles articulated in the Charter.

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