The 2024 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, held in Islamabad from October 15, stands as a major geopolitical event with broad implications for regional security, economic cooperation, and global diplomacy. India, a key player in this multilateral organization, continues to shape its role through strategic participation and leadership. Under the guidance of India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM), Dr. S. Jaishankar, the nation has not only emphasized its commitment to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity but also focused on broader goals like combating terrorism and addressing climate change.
India’s Role at the SCO Summit 2024
India’s presence in the SCO, which it joined as a full member in 2017, has grown steadily. India’s membership was critical in promoting a balanced regional order, and the country has positioned itself as a strong advocate for connectivity, cooperation, and security within the organization. India hosted the previous SCO Heads of State meeting in 2023, marking the end of its presidency.
At the 2024 summit, India reaffirmed its priorities for the region, focusing on:
- Counterterrorism: India has long advocated for decisive action against terrorism, which was highlighted during the summit. India pushed for the implementation of stringent measures against terrorism financing and cross-border terrorism, calling out nations harboring terrorist entities, with Pakistan being a critical point of focus. This resonates with India’s previous stances on addressing global and regional terrorism threats.
- Connectivity and Sovereignty: India’s vision of regional connectivity is firmly grounded in respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. During the summit, India reiterated the importance of transparent and non-discriminatory trade routes, especially concerning projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). India’s advocacy for projects respecting the sovereignty of all nations reflects its concerns about China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its territorial implications.
- Climate Change and Emerging Technologies: India’s leadership in promoting alternative fuels, de-carbonization, and climate-resilient infrastructure stood out as one of its significant contributions. India has also been proactive in adopting technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), with a focus on using these innovations for societal progress and regional cooperation within the SCO framework.
Praise for India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar
Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s EAM, has been instrumental in elevating India’s diplomatic standing on the world stage. His handling of the SCO Summit 2024 has earned widespread praise, especially for balancing the complex geopolitics of the region. Jaishankar’s experience as a seasoned diplomat allowed him to navigate sensitive issues while emphasizing India’s firm stance on terrorism, economic cooperation, and respect for sovereignty.
Jaishankar’s diplomacy during the summit reflects his ability to communicate India’s concer ns while also maintaining a forward-looking vision for regional cooperation. His role in representing India at the SCO has been vital in fostering India’s image as a responsible regional power committed to peace, development, and multilateralism.
Key Details of the 2024 SCO Summit
The SCO Summit 2024 saw participation from all member states, including India, China, Russia, and the Central Asian republics, along with observers such as Iran, which recently joined the organization. Some of the critical areas of discussion included:
- Terrorism and Security: Given the rising regional threats, especially from Afghanistan post-U.S. withdrawal, the SCO nations agreed on joint counterterrorism measures. India, in particular, advocated for stronger action against cross-border terrorism.
- Economic Cooperation: The summit focused on enhancing trade and investment among member states. India’s participation highlighted the need for developing alternative energy sources, digital connectivity, and sustainable infrastructure projects that respect the sovereignty of all involved parties.
- Climate Change: One of the focal points of the summit was the joint initiative to address climate change. India’s leadership in pushing for alternative fuels and its active role in crafting a roadmap for AI collaboration marked its forward-thinking approach toward regional challenges.
- Pakistan’s Role: The host nation, Pakistan, under its Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, attempted to play a more active role in shaping the summit’s agenda. However, tensions between India and Pakistan remained evident, particularly concerning terrorism and trade connectivity issues. India’s firm stance on these matters has kept the focus on regional stability.
Future Prospects for India in the SCO
The 2024 SCO Summit further solidified India’s role as a central player in regional and global politics. Moving forward, India’s objectives within the SCO will likely continue to focus on promoting peace and security, economic development, and sustainable growth. India’s advocacy for transparency, respect for sovereignty, and regional cooperation ensures that it will remain an essential voice within the organization.
The leadership displayed by Dr. S. Jaishankar, coupled with India’s consistent stance on key issues such as terrorism, economic connectivity, and climate change, positions the country as a responsible and forward-thinking member of the SCO. India’s strategic contributions during the summit not only strengthened its bilateral ties with SCO members but also reinforced its global standing as a key player in shaping the future of regional geopolitics.
Conclusion
The SCO Summit 2024 marked a pivotal moment in regional diplomacy, with India playing a central role in shaping discussions on terrorism, economic cooperation, and climate change. Under the leadership of Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s strategic objectives were successfully highlighted, earning the country praise for its steadfast commitment to peace, security, and development. As the SCO continues to evolve, India’s contributions will remain crucial to ensuring that the organization remains a platform for collaborative growth and regional stability.
