IN the light of the recent and highly publicized visit of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States, during which he secured a raft of crucial trade and defence agreements from the Biden Administration, it comes as no surprise that the upcoming virtual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in New Delhi has garnered considerable global media attention. On the one hand, the summit will provide him an opportunity to quickly muffle the after-effects of his Washington yatra, which has created anxiety among the neighbouring countries because of such massive defence-related agreements with the US, and at the same time, being the Chairman of the session, PM Modi can play a key role in steering the forum towards a trajectory defined by a shared vision and mutual benefits.
By leveraging this platform, he can also consolidate India’s regional influence while fostering a cooperative environment within the SCO. Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to attend this session virtually at the invitation of PM Modi. Unlike the last year session in the Uzbek city of Samarkand, which was attended by all top leaders of the grouping, including President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Modi, PM Shehbaz Sharif among others, the 2023 summit is being organized as a virtual event through video conferencing.
While the inherent value of physical attendance at international gatherings cannot be overstated, the forthcoming forum still holds promise in cultivating personal networking. Despite the limitations imposed by its virtual format, the platform provides leaders with ample opportunity to strengthen mutual relationships and enhance connectivity—a crucial prerequisite for effective diplomacy. Though face-to-face interactions hold a unique significance, the forum’s virtual nature should not undermine the potential for fruitful engagements. By leveraging the available means, leaders can navigate these constraints and utilize the platform to advance their diplomatic goals, fostering cooperation and forging meaningful connections despite the inherent challenges.
The central theme of this year’s SCO summit, aptly titled ‘Towards a SECURE SCO,’ reflects the visionary framework of this group which represents 40 percent of world population, 30 percent of the world GDP and 23 percent of landmass of the planet. The acronym SECURE encompasses a range of crucial elements: Security, Economy and Trade, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity and Environment. By emphasizing these pillars, the SCO endeavours to foster a secure and prosperous future, fostering cooperation and understanding among member nations. Since its establishment in 2001, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has steadily evolved into a steadfast forum dedicated to promoting regional stability in both political and economic realms.
Recognized as a beacon of reliability, the SCO has emerged as a trusted platform within this geographical expanse. Its commitment to fostering cooperation and addressing the region’s challenges has solidified its standing as a key player in promoting peace and prosperity. Over the years, the SCO has consistently demonstrated its ability to navigate complex issues and facilitate meaningful dialogue among member states, making it an indispensable force in this part of the world. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has garnered widespread admiration for its adherence to the “three no’s principles” – no alliance, no confrontation and no targeting any third party. These principles have resonated with numerous nations, as they provide a foundation for cooperation and harmony.
The SCO’s evolution from a cooperative mechanism focused on combating the “three forces” to a multifaceted vehicle encompassing the realms of politics, security, economy, and humanities is no mere coincidence. It is a testament to the organization’s astute navigation of complex issues which has facilitated a holistic approach to regional development and engendered goodwill among its diverse member states. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization embraces the “Shanghai Spirit,” a core concept that presents a novel approach to post-Cold War international relations. This spirit offers fresh ideas, models and norms for countries to co-exist on an equal footing, engage in multilateral cooperation and shape the global order. Despite relentless criticism from the United States and the West, the SCO has not only survived but thrived over its 21-year existence.
Remarkably, countries, like Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, are keen in joining its ranks. The SCO’s resilience stands as a testament to its ability to transcend political, historical and cultural differences, including territorial disputes and ideological divergences. It signifies a departure from the outdated Cold War mindset, embracing a world of increasing diversity and dissimilarities. It is crucial to underscore that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization operates on a fundamental principle of non-targeting, including any third parties, notably the West.
This principle is ingrained in the DNA of the SCO, ensuring that it will never morph into an organization that opposes the West or any other party. To liken the SCO to an “Eastern NATO” is a testament to the myopic perspective and lack of imagination harboured by certain individuals in the United States and the West. Such limited vision stands in stark contrast to the expansive and multifaceted nature of the SCO which transcends narrow boundaries and encompasses a rich tapestry of interests and objectives. Perhaps this is the reason why almost ten countries are knocking at the door to be part of the SCO. This summit is also expected to continue deliberations on the second phase of its expansion.
—The writer is political analyst, based in Karachi.
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