Col B S Nagial (Retd)
On 29 Mar 2023, while addressing the Secretaries of the Security Council of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member-nations Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor of India, said that member countries should ‘respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity’ and seek ‘no unilateral military superiority in neighbouring countries’. He made these remarks when the Chinese State Councillor and Ministry of Public Security Wang Xiaohong listened virtually. He further added that India was ready to cooperate on investing and building connectivity in the region. However, he cautioned that warranting such ingenuities were ‘consultive, transparent and participatory’ was necessary.
His comments on unilateral military superiority and connectivity were basically on the ongoing Indo-China Line of Actual Control(LAC) stand-offs and China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), respectively. These issues have been raised for the first time.
He further elaborated that India’s approach in this area synchronises with the SCO Charter to safeguard all-inclusive and well-adjusted economic development for incorporation into the global economy and enhancement of transient capabilities and capacities.
Highlighting the issue of terrorism, the NSA of India further said that terrorism and its financing are among the most severe threats to global peace and security. All acts of terrorism, irrespective of motivation, are unjustifiable. Therefore all countries must fulfil their obligations under counter-terrorism cooperation protocols, including the UNO Security Council resolutions 1267 and 1373 and subsequent resolutions. These resolutions help to identify and implement sanctions against global terrorists.
The Russian counterpart Nikolai Patrushev said there should be further interaction between SCO members in information security, biomedical security, anti-drug trafficking, etc.
One of the critical issues facing the SCO and its member states is regional security. The SCO was initially formed to address concerns over terrorism, separatism, and extremism in the region, and these issues continue to be a priority for the organisation.
Terrorism remains a significant threat in many SCO member states, with groups such as the Taliban, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda operating in the region. The SCO has implemented various measures to counter terrorism, including sharing intelligence, conducting joint military exercises, and coordinating border security.
Another security issue facing the SCO is the potential conflict between member states. Border disputes and historical tensions have strained relations between SCO member states, and the organisation has sought to promote a peaceful resolution of disputes and encourage cooperation between member states.
In recent years, the SCO has also been increasingly involved in efforts to address regional economic and environmental issues. The organisation has launched initiatives to promote economic cooperation and development, including the Belt and Road Initiative, which seeks to enhance connectivity and trade between Asia, Europe, and Africa. The SCO has also actively promoted environmental protection and sustainable development in the region.
The SCO is a global organisation instituted in Shanghai on 15 June 2001. The SCO currently includes nine member countries: India, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Iran and Uzbekistan. Four observer nations involved are ready to join the organisation: Afghanistan, Belarus, and Mongolia, and six are Dialogue partner nations like Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Turkey. In 2021, the initiative was taken to initiate the concurrence procedure to include Iran in the SCO as a permanent member. Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia became dialogue partners.
Since its commencement in 2001, the SCO has primarily focused on regional security issues. It has resolved to contest regional terrorism, ethnic separatism and religious extremism. Till date, the SCO’s priorities have been to boost regional development.
The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is a vital component of the SCO that focuses on counter-terrorism efforts. RATS was established in 2004 to facilitate cooperation among the SCO member states in the fight against terrorism, separatism, and extremism.
The main objectives of RATS include the exchange of information and intelligence among member states, the coordination of joint anti-terrorism operations, and the training of law enforcement and security personnel. RATS also works to prevent the financing of terrorist activities and to promote international cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
RATS operates through several mechanisms, including joint counter-terrorism exercises, seminars and conferences, and establishing a database of terrorist organisations and individuals. Member states also work together to identify and address the root causes of terrorism, such as poverty, social inequality, and political instability.
Over the years, RATS has played an essential role in countering terrorism in the region. For example, RATS has helped to prevent terrorist attacks during significant events such as the Beijing Olympics and the Shanghai World Expo. RATS has also played a role in facilitating the repatriation of citizens who have travelled to conflict zones to join terrorist organisations.
Overall, RATS is an essential mechanism for promoting regional cooperation and coordination in the fight against terrorism. While challenges remain, such as the evolving nature of terrorist threats and the need to balance security with respect for human rights, RATS represents a valuable tool for enhancing regional security and stability.
The SCO as an organisation has been an invitee to the UN General Assembly as an observer since 2005. In April 2010, the UN and SCO signed the Declaration on Cooperation jointly. SCO has also set up corporations with the UNO Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in addition, it has also established cooperation with the UNO Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the UN Office on Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT).
The Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) department and the UNRCCA (United Nations Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia) department consistently associate with the SCO official staff. They mainly focus on security developments in the region and critical matters connected to counter-terrorism and preventing violent extremism (PVE). Since 2017, DPPA has deployed a Liaison Officer to the SCO in Beijing.
India is a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), joining the organisation in 2017. India’s participation in the SCO is an important step in its efforts to deepen its engagement with Central Asia and the wider region.
India’s membership in the SCO provides a platform to enhance its cooperation with other member states in various areas, including security, trade, and investment. India’s strategic location at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East makes it an essential partner for SCO member states, particularly in the organisation’s efforts to promote connectivity and economic integration.
In the security realm, India’s participation in the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) has enhanced its ability to cooperate with other member states in the fight against terrorism. India has also participated in joint military exercises with SCO member states, which have helped to strengthen military-to-military ties and build interoperability among armed forces.
In the economic sphere, India has sought to leverage its membership in the SCO to enhance its engagement with Central Asia and other member states.
Overall, India’s membership in the SCO represents an important step in the country’s efforts to deepen its engagement with Central Asia and the wider region. While there are challenges to overcome, such as the need to balance competing geopolitical interests and address regional security concerns, India’s participation in the SCO can potentially bring significant benefits for the country and the organisation.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
