What Are The Expectations With Today’s SCO Summit Under India’s Leadership?

India is hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, which comprises India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

The summit, originally planned to be held in New Delhi but now in a virtual format, will be chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Notable attendees include China’s President Xi Jinping, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Turkmenistan has been invited as the guest of the Chair.

The theme of the summit is “Towards a SECURE SCO,” with the acronym standing for Security, Economy and Trade, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity, and Environment.

The participating leaders are expected to discuss regional security, connectivity, trade, and cooperation among the SCO member countries. Key issues on the agenda may include the situation in Afghanistan, the conflict in Ukraine, and enhancing regional cooperation.

The summit holds significance for various countries involved. For Russia’s President Putin, it provides an opportunity to project strength and credibility after a recent short-lived rebellion by a mercenary group.

China aims to position itself as a global force and dominant player within the SCO, while India seeks to balance its ties with both the West and the East.

India is also looking to deepen its security-related cooperation with the SCO and its Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO RATS).

Furthermore, the SCO summit is expected to welcome Iran as a new permanent member and may discuss the potential inclusion of Belarus in the group.

The summit will also feature the participation of heads of international and regional organizations, including the UN, ASEAN, CIS, CSTO, EAEU, and CICA.

The SCO summit under India’s leadership serves as a platform for India to engage more deeply with Central Asia and strengthen its relationships within the region.

India has been proactive in promoting cooperation in areas such as startups and innovation, traditional medicine, digital inclusion, youth empowerment, and shared Buddhist heritage.

The country aims to contribute significantly in these areas and foster greater people-to-people connections.

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This SCO summit is presenting an opportunity for all member countries to discuss their regional issues, enhance cooperation with each other.

This international platform will also let them showcase their respective priorities and visions for a secure and prosperous future.