India at SCO: A Calculated Pursuit of Peace and Regional Stability

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting from June 25–26, 2025, in Qingdao, China. This marks the first high-level Indian ministerial visit to China since the 2020 border standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The visit comes shortly after India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK following the Pahalgam terror attack. During the conclave, Singh will present India’s vision for global peace and security and call for united efforts against terrorism. His presence also underscores India’s strategic commitment to multilateralism and regional security cooperation within the SCO framework.

What is the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)?

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a regional intergovernmental organisation founded in 2001 to promote political, economic, and security cooperation. It comprises major Eurasian powers, including China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and Central Asian nations. India became a full member in 2017. The SCO focuses on combating terrorism, extremism, and fostering regional connectivity and stability. It is a key platform for India to engage with Central Asia and balance regional influences.

India’s Core Message at the SCO

1. Respect for Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity: India emphasized that all regional initiatives must uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states.
2. Firm Opposition to Terrorism: India reiterated its zero-tolerance approach to terrorism in all forms, including cross-border terrorism and terror financing.
3. Commitment to Multilateralism: India advocated for a cooperative, inclusive, and rule-based multilateral order within the SCO framework.
4. Promotion of Mutual Respect and Equality: Called for decision-making based on mutual understanding, equality, and non-interference in internal affairs.
5. Constructive Engagement for Regional Peace: India stressed the importance of dialogue, trust-building, and cooperation to ensure long-term regional stability.

India’s Key Objectives at the SCO Meeting

1. Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: India advocates a zero-tolerance policy on terrorism, pushing for stronger coordination through SCO-RATS, and targeting terror financing and radicalization.
2. Sovereignty-Based Connectivity: Supports transparent projects like Chabahar and INSTC while opposing China’s BRI; calls for trade facilitation and regional value chains.
3. Energy and Food Security: Seeks collaboration in oil, gas, clean energy, and sustainable agriculture, promoting millets in line with its G20 initiatives.
4. Cultural and People Links: Promotes cultural exchange, tourism, and youth engagement via events like the SCO Film Festival and Millet Food Festival.
5. Balanced Multilateralism: Calls for democratic decision-making and equal participation, resisting dominance by any single member state.
6. Climate Action: Pushes green initiatives like LiFE, ISA, and clean energy cooperation within the SCO framework.
7. Strategic Signalling to China & Pakistan: Uses SCO to diplomatically assert concerns on terrorism, PoK, and CPEC while maintaining engagement.
8. Digital and Tech Cooperation: Offers digital tools like India Stack, and promotes joint work in AI, fintech, and cybersecurity.
9. Central Asia & Eurasian Outreach: Views SCO as a gateway for deeper ties with Central Asia on energy, security, and regional development.

India’s Core Message at the SCO

1. Zero-Tolerance on Terrorism: India called for united and consistent action against terrorism, especially cross-border threats, radicalization, and terror financing.
2. Respect for Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity: India emphasised that connectivity and cooperation must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.
3. Commitment to Regional Security: India reaffirmed its role in promoting regional peace, stability, and cooperation through the SCO’s security structures, including RATS.
4. Promotion of Balanced Multilateralism: India advocated for democratic, inclusive decision-making within the SCO, opposing any domination by individual countries.
5. Peaceful Dialogue and Diplomacy: India used the platform to diplomatically engage all members, including China and Pakistan, while firmly asserting its national interests.
6. Strengthening Economic and Energy Ties: India encouraged transparent trade, energy cooperation, and food security collaboration, promoting initiatives like INSTC and millets diplomacy.
7. Green Growth and Tech Cooperation: India urged joint efforts on clean energy, climate action (via LiFE and ISA), and cooperation in digital technologies and cybersecurity.

Significance of India’s Visit to SCO

1. First High-Level Visit to China Since 2020 Standoff: Marks the first visit by an Indian Union Minister to China after the Ladakh border standoff, signalling cautious diplomatic re-engagement.
2. Platform to Counter Terrorism Collectively: Reinforces India’s strong anti-terror stance and pushes for joint action against cross-border terrorism through SCO mechanisms.
3. Asserted Sovereignty and Strategic Concerns: India used the platform to assert its position on sovereignty, opposing projects like CPEC that violate its territorial integrity.
4. Reaffirmation of Multilateral Commitment: Highlights India’s commitment to multilateralism, regional cooperation, and equitable participation within the SCO framework.
5. Engagement with Regional Powers: Facilitated strategic dialogue with key players like China and Russia, enhancing defence and diplomatic coordination in the region.
6. Opportunity to Expand Eurasian Outreach: Strengthens India’s ties with Central Asian nations for energy security, trade, and counter-narcotics cooperation.
7. Platform for Showcasing India’s Global Vision: Allowed India to present its vision for global peace, security, sustainable development, and digital cooperation.

Bilateral and Multilateral Diplomacy

Role and Relevance of SCO for India

1. Gateway to Central Asia: SCO provides India institutional access to Central Asian nations, enhancing connectivity, trade, and strategic engagement.
2. Counterterrorism Cooperation: Through SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), India pushes for stronger joint action against terrorism, especially cross-border threats.
3. Balancing China’s Regional Influence: India uses its SCO membership to assert its presence and balance China’s growing influence in Eurasia.
4. Promoting Regional Stability: SCO acts as a platform for dialogue on security, border issues, and non-traditional threats like cybercrime and drug trafficking.
5. Support for Multilateralism and Strategic Autonomy: SCO aligns with India’s vision of a multipolar world order and helps it assert independent foreign policy choices.
6. Energy and Connectivity Partnerships: India promotes alternatives like the Chabahar Port and INSTC within SCO to improve regional trade and energy cooperation.
7. People-to-People and Cultural Diplomacy: India leverages the SCO to boost cultural ties, educational exchanges, and tourism through festivals and heritage promotion.
8. Diplomatic Engagement with Rivals: SCO offers a neutral forum for India to engage with China and Pakistan on key issues without direct bilateral mechanisms.

India’s Broader Regional and Global Strategy

1. Synergy with ‘Act East’ Policy: India’s participation in SCO complements its Act East Policy by linking South Asia with East and Southeast Asia through strategic outreach.
2. Integration with ‘Connect Central Asia’ Policy: SCO strengthens India’s engagement with Central Asian nations, promoting energy, trade, and cultural ties under this regional policy framework.
3. Pursuit of Strategic Autonomy: India engages with both Eastern and Western blocs while maintaining an independent foreign policy based on national interest.
4. Issue-Based Global Alignment: India aligns with global powers (like the U.S. or Russia) selectively on specific issues such as counterterrorism, climate change, or technology.
5. Expanding Role in Multilateral Platforms: Through the SCO, India strengthens its leadership role in multilateralism alongside the G20, BRICS, Quad, and UNSC forums.
6. Balancing China’s Eurasian Dominance: India’s active participation counters China’s unilateral initiatives (e.g., BRI), promoting a more inclusive and rules-based regional order.
7. Promoting Rules-Based Order: India consistently advocates for sovereignty, transparency, and non-interference—principles essential for stable regional governance.
8. Regional Peace and Connectivity Initiatives: India uses SCO to promote peace, connectivity (e.g., INSTC, Chabahar), and development, enhancing its influence in the broader Eurasian region.

Challenges and Limitations

1. India-China Border Tensions: Ongoing standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) affects trust and limits strategic cooperation within SCO.
2. Presence of Pakistan in SCO: Bilateral tensions with Pakistan complicate consensus-building, especially on issues like terrorism and connectivity.
3. Divergent Definitions of Terrorism: SCO members differ on what constitutes terrorism, affecting joint counter-terrorism efforts—India opposes selective approaches.
4. China’s Dominance in SCO Agenda: China’s economic and strategic clout often shapes SCO priorities, sidelining India’s concerns (e.g., CPEC passing through PoK).
5. Limited Influence on Connectivity Projects: India opposes BRI, while most SCO members support it, leading to friction over regional infrastructure initiatives.
6. Lack of Binding Enforcement Mechanisms: SCO decisions are non-binding, reducing the effectiveness of joint declarations and resolutions on security or terrorism.
7. Ideological and Strategic Differences: SCO includes democracies (India) and authoritarian states (China, Russia, Central Asian republics), affecting coherence and unity.
8. Language and Procedural Barriers: With working languages being Chinese and Russian, India’s proposals may face communication hurdles in formal negotiations.

Conclusion

India’s participation in the SCO reflects a mature and pragmatic approach to diplomacy, underscoring its commitment to regional peace, stability, and multilateral cooperation. Despite underlying tensions, especially with China and Pakistan, India continues to engage constructively, leveraging the platform to assert its strategic interests and advocate for a rules-based regional order. The SCO offers valuable opportunities for dialogue, counter-terrorism coordination, and regional connectivity, aligning with India’s broader foreign policy objectives.