SCO meeting of the Heads of Government 

30 Oct SCO meeting of the Heads of Government 

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “SCO meeting of the Heads of Government”. This topic has relevance in the “International Relations” section of the UPSC CSE exam.

For Prelims:

What is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization? 

Institutional Framework of SCO

For Mains:

GS2:  International Relations
SCO as an organisation of importance for India’s geopolitical interests 

Why in the news?

The 22nd meeting of the Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation occurred in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Shanghai Cooperation Organization:

• The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was formed by China and Russia in 2001. It focuses on politics, economics, international security, and defence in Eurasia. 
• The SCO is the largest regional organisation in the world, covering about 60% of Eurasia’s area and 40% of the global population. In 2021, its combined GDP accounted for roughly 20% of the global GDP.

Membership of SCO: 

• Members:

• • China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

• Observers:

• • Afghanistan, Belarus, and Mongolia 

• Dialogue Partners:

• • Azerbaijan, Armenia, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka

Origins of SCO: 

• • The SCO was formed from the original ‘Shanghai Five’ alliance, which consisted of Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. 
  • The purpose of this alliance, established in 1996 after the Soviet era, was to address regional security concerns, reduce border troop presence, and combat terrorism. 
  • In 2001, Uzbekistan was embraced into the Shanghai Five, leading to the group’s transformation into the SCO.
  • By June 2017, the organization experienced further expansion, reaching a total of eight member states, with the inclusion of India and Pakistan.

• Iran joined the group in July 2023.

Institutional Framework:

• SCO Councils:

• • SCO Heads of State Council: This is the highest authority within the SCO, responsible for setting priorities, defining the Organization’s primary activities, determining its internal structure, managing its interactions with other States and international organisations, and addressing pressing global issues.
  • SCO Heads of Government Council: This Council, comprising Prime Ministers, is responsible for approving the Organization’s budget and making decisions related to specific areas of interaction, especially those of an economic nature, within the SCO.
  • SCO Foreign Ministers Council: This council focuses on the day-to-day operations of the SCO, including preparing Heads of State Council meetings and conducting consultations on international issues. Additionally, it has the authority, when appropriate, to issue statements on behalf of the SCO.
• Two permanent bodies support the organisation: 
  • • SCO Secretariat located in Beijing 
    • Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure has its headquarters in Tashkent.

• Chinese and Russian serve as the recognised official languages within the SCO.

Objectives of the SCO:

• Enhancing mutual trust and fostering neighbourly relations among participating nations
• Facilitating comprehensive collaboration across diverse sectors such as politics, commerce, economics, scientific research, technology, cultural exchange, education, energy, transportation, tourism, and environmental conservation
• Collectively striving to uphold peace, security, and stability within the region
• Dedicating efforts to shape a global political and economic framework that embodies democratic principles, fairness, and rationality

More About the News: SCO meeting of the Heads of Government 

• The SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) convenes annually to deliberate on strategies for multilateral cooperation and to approve the organisation’s yearly budget, among other agenda items.

• The External Affairs Minister of India urged members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to collaborate in advancing stability and prosperity in the region. 
• He stressed the significance of strictly adhering to international law, respecting one another’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and fostering economic cooperation.
• Additionally, he highlighted the potential of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) as catalysts for prosperity.

The SCO remains important for India due to its strategic, economic, and cultural significance, despite limited achievements. India’s continued engagement in its future endeavors is crucial, and media and think tanks can play a role in monitoring developments that affect national interests.

Sources: SCO Council meeting of the Heads of Government in Bishkek: Outcomes and implications – News (wionews.com)

Download plutus ias current affairs eng med 30th Oct 2023

Q1. With reference to Shanghai Cooperation Organization, consider the following statements: 

1. SCO Heads of Government Council is the highest authority within the SCO.
2. The SCO Foreign Ministers Council focuses on the day-to-day operations of the SCO.
3. The SCO Secretariat is located in Beijing, China. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only 

(d) None 

Check Answer

Q2. Consider the following: 

1. China
2. Kazakhstan
3. Russia
4. Tajikistan
5. Uzbekistan
6. India

How many of them were founding members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization?

(a) Only two

(b) Only three

(c) Only four

(d) Only five

Check Answer

Q3. Discuss the strategic and economic significance of India’s participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Gaurav N