News: A Eurasian regional organisation focused on security, cooperation and regional stability.

About

• SCO originated from the “Shanghai Five” (1996) comprising China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
• Established as the SCO on 15 June 2001 in Shanghai, with Uzbekistan joining as the sixth member.
• It later expanded to include India, Pakistan, Iran and Belarus as members.
• Afghanistan and Mongolia hold Observer Status.

Key Focus

• Regional Security: Addresses terrorism, extremism, separatism and other security challenges.
• RATS: Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure facilitates intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism exercises and cooperation against terrorist activities and drug trafficking.
• Promotes political, economic and security cooperation among Eurasian countries.

Significance

• One of the major international organisations focused on Asian regional security.
• SCO members account for around 40% of the world's population and over USD 23 trillion in global GDP.
• Russia and China view the SCO as an important platform to counterbalance Western/US influence and promote a more multipolar international order.

Relevance for India

• Regional Cooperation: Provides India a platform to engage with Central Asian countries and other major regional powers.
• Counter-Terrorism: RATS supports intelligence sharing and joint counter-terrorism efforts.
• Strategic Engagement: Enables dialogue with China, Russia and Pakistan on regional security issues.
• Economic Opportunities: Provides scope for expanding trade and connectivity with Central Asia.