Shanghai Cooperation Organization

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to Attend Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Pakistan Amid Political Unrest

Overview

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance founded in 2001 by China, Russia, and four Central Asian nations (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan). It was initially created to address security concerns in Central Asia and to counterbalance Western alliances like NATO. Over time, the SCO has expanded its agenda to include economic cooperation and regional connectivity. In 2017, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization broadened its scope by admitting India and Pakistan as full members, signaling the organization’s growing influence across the region.

Since its inception, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has aimed to foster dialogue and cooperation among member countries, especially in areas like counter-terrorism, drug trafficking, regional stability, and trade partnerships. With both India and Pakistan as members, the SCO also serves as a platform for interaction between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, even as direct bilateral relations remain strained.

S. Jaishankar’s Upcoming Visit to Pakistan for the SCO Summit

In a significant development, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, will travel to Pakistan for the first time in nearly a decade to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, which is scheduled for October 15-16, 2024. The visit comes after years of frozen diplomatic relations between the two countries, particularly following the 2019 escalation in Kashmir. However, Jaishankar has made it clear that his visit is solely focused on multilateral issues, ruling out any discussions on bilateral relations with Pakistan.

Jaishankar emphasized that his participation is primarily to fulfill India’s obligations as a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, adding, “I am going there to be a good member of the SCO but since I am a courteous and civil person, I will behave myself accordingly.” His remarks underline India’s focus on the multilateral agenda rather than engaging in any direct diplomacy with Pakistan.

India’s approach to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has always been a delicate balancing act, particularly as it seeks to maintain a constructive role in the organisation while managing its concerns about China’s growing influence in the region. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization offers a platform for dialogue on regional security and economic cooperation, but it does not require member states to address their bilateral tensions, which works in India’s favor.

Political Unrest in Pakistan: Riots in Islamabad Due to PTI Protests

Jaishankar’s visit to Pakistan coincides with a period of political instability in the country. Pakistan has been gripped by unrest following the ousting of Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister and leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party. Since Khan’s removal from office, his supporters have held numerous protests across the country, with Islamabad becoming a focal point of these demonstrations.

In recent months, the capital city has witnessed significant riots and violent clashes between PTI supporters and security forces. Protests erupted after Khan’s arrest in May 2024, and tensions have escalated further, particularly as PTI leaders accuse the government of orchestrating a political crackdown against the party. The riots have paralyzed parts of the capital, leading to mass arrests and a heavy security presence throughout Islamabad.

The protests are largely a reaction to what PTI supporters claim is an undemocratic removal of their leader and a failure of the current government to address economic hardships. With rising inflation, food shortages, and an energy crisis, the country is in a volatile state, and the ongoing unrest has raised concerns about Pakistan’s stability.

The situation in Islamabad has had a ripple effect on the preparations for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. In response to the unrest, Pakistan’s government has implemented heightened security measures to ensure the safety of visiting dignitaries and the smooth running of the summit. Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently approved a comprehensive security plan, deploying personnel from the Pakistan Army, Rangers, Frontier Corps, and Punjab Police to secure the event.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit: Key Focus Areas

The SCO summit in Pakistan is expected to cover a wide range of topics, focusing on regional security, counterterrorism efforts, and economic cooperation. With Central Asia emerging as a critical area of interest for global powers, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization serves as a key platform for discussions on energy security, trade routes, and combating transnational threats like terrorism and drug trafficking.

• Security Cooperation: The SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) plays a significant role in facilitating joint counter-terrorism exercises and intelligence sharing among member states. With rising concerns over terrorism and extremism in the region, this will remain a priority on the summit’s agenda.
• Economic Cooperation: The China-led Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is closely linked to the SCO’s vision for enhancing connectivity and trade in Central Asia. While India remains wary of the BRI due to sovereignty concerns, particularly in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the SCO offers India a platform to engage economically with Central Asia without direct involvement in the BRI.
• Afghanistan: Another critical issue on the summit’s agenda will be the situation in Afghanistan, particularly as both India and Pakistan have vested interests in the country’s stability. The Taliban’s return to power in 2021 has raised concerns about the resurgence of terrorism, making Afghanistan a focal point of discussion for regional security.

India’s Role in the SCO

India’s participation in the SCO reflects its desire to maintain a strong presence in regional organizations that influence Central Asia’s security and economic landscape. However, India remains cautious of China’s growing dominance in the SCO and seeks to balance its relations with the Central Asian countries. By selectively engaging in the economic initiatives of the SCO, India aims to enhance its connectivity with Central Asia while countering China’s influence in the region.

While Jaishankar’s visit may not lead to any significant breakthroughs in India-Pakistan relations, it reinforces India’s commitment to the multilateral framework of the SCO. The summit also allows India to maintain its strategic engagement in Central Asia, a region crucial for its energy security and trade routes.

Conclusion

As India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar prepares to attend the SCO summit in Pakistan, the backdrop of political unrest in Islamabad adds a layer of complexity to the event. While Jaishankar has ruled out any discussions on India-Pakistan relations, the summit presents an opportunity for India to engage with regional powers on security and economic issues, even as tensions with Pakistan continue. The SCO remains a critical platform for fostering regional cooperation, and India’s participation highlights its strategic priorities in the region. However, with Pakistan’s political landscape in turmoil and security concerns heightened, the summit will take place under challenging circumstances.