Expert Explains | Why does SCO matter to India? It’s not just soft power

The recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit held in Kyrgyzstan resulted in the adoption of the "Bishkek Declaration," which emphasized the necessity to combat terrorism, including cross-border movements of terrorists, and condemned military strikes on Iranian territory. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy during the summit.

Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, attended the event, advocating for a strong message to be sent to countries that employ terror as a state policy. Pakistan is scheduled to host the SCO summit in 2027.

Ambassador Ashok Sajjanhar, a retired official from the Indian Foreign Service with over three decades of experience, informed The Indian Express that it is premature to predict whether Prime Minister Modi will attend the upcoming summit in 2027. Sajjanhar emphasized that India's statements on combating terrorism align with its consistent stance across various platforms. He also noted India's challenge in transforming its soft power in Central Asia into tangible economic benefits and enhanced connectivity.

India's objectives in joining the SCO were primarily to engage with Central Asian countries as part of its extended neighborhood, which shares cultural, historical, and civilizational ties. These countries are also abundant in valuable natural resources, such as minerals, oil, gas, and critical minerals. By becoming a member of SCO, India aimed to strengthen its relations with these resource-rich nations and promote connectivity through platforms like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which facilitates freight routes between India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe.

Moreover, India sought to address crucial issues related to terrorism, security, stability, and peace, as highlighted in the Bishkek Declaration.