Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Flashcards
Q. What was the theme of the recent SCO Summit held and which country joined as the new member of the SCO?
Ans : *The theme of the recent SCO Summit was “ Towards a SECURE SCO”, where SECURE stands for Security, Economic development, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
* Iran joined as the new permanent member .
Q. What is the significance of SCO for India ?
Ans : 1. Geopolitical significance: Through multi-alignment and maintaining strategic autonomy .
2. Fostering Regional Stability : Afghanistan Contact Group (ACG) was created in 2005 to maintain regional cooperation with Kabul.
3. Strengthen Bilateral Relations : Facilitates communication between India and other regional countries .
4. Promoting Regional connectivity : TAPI Pipeline, INSTC, Chabahar Project, etc.
5. Promoting Regional trade and cultural ties : Varanasi has been declared the first tourism and cultural capital of SCO.
6. Fostering Counter-terrorism Efforts : Cooperation from RATS .
7. Combating illicit drug trade
8. Access to Strategic Mineral Resources .
Q. What are some of the challenges with SCO ?
Ans : 1. Bilateral issues with member states.
2. Anti-West Grouping : Continued perception of being an anti-west alliance.
3. Projects endangering India’s National Interest : SCO’s support for BRI.
4. Structural Challenges : SCO charter does not allow any bilateral dispute to be taken up .
5. Strengthening Sino-Russia Axis .
Q. What are some “Way Forwards” for the SCO ?
Ans : 1. Leveraging Multilateralism for Development.
2. Acting as a facilitator: Bridge between Russia and the West .
3. Promoting National Interest .
4. Maintaining foreign policy autonomy .
5. Constructive role : To make the SCO a platform of agreements rather than disagreements.
