Shanghai Cooperation Organisation | The house of multilaterals
At the Bishkek Summit, member countries, including India, have condemned the military strikes on Iran, reaffirmed ‘support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity’, and criticised the U.S. and Israel for violating the principles of international law and the UN Charter
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Context
The 26th summit of the was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, marking 25 years since its inception. The summit took place against a backdrop of complex global geopolitics, including an ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine, with member nations navigating diverse interests and adopting declarations on regional security, counter-terrorism, and connectivity.
UPSC Perspectives
International Relations
The represents a significant shift in global multilateralism, acting as a crucial non-Western security and economic architecture in Eurasia. Initially formed as the 'Shanghai Five' to address border demarcation and demilitarization, it has evolved to encompass counter-terrorism, economic cooperation, and political dialogue. The highlights the organization's evolving role, addressing extra-regional issues like the Middle East conflict while advocating for the 'inalienable right' to peaceful atomic energy, reflecting the collective stance of its diverse membership, which includes nations often at odds with the West. The push for greater use of local currencies in trade and the proposed indicate an effort to create parallel financial mechanisms, challenging the dominance of the US dollar and Western financial institutions. This evolution presents a key area for UPSC aspirants to analyze regarding the changing dynamics of global governance and the rise of multipolar arrangements.
Geopolitics
India's engagement within the requires navigating a complex geopolitical landscape, characterized by strategic autonomy and balancing diverse, often conflicting, relationships. The organization provides a unique platform where India interacts multilaterally with primary adversaries like Pakistan and China, allowing for diplomatic engagement even during periods of intense bilateral strain (e.g., post-Galwan or post-terror incidents). India's stance on connectivity, explicitly respecting 'sovereignty and territorial integrity,' is a direct critique of the , which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), explaining India's consistent refusal to endorse the . The summit also underscored India's complex position regarding global conflicts; while member states maintained silence on Russia's role in Ukraine, India continues to advocate for dialogue and diplomacy, demonstrating its careful balancing act between traditional partnerships (Russia) and growing strategic ties with the West.
Security & Connectivity
The framework places significant emphasis on security cooperation, specifically addressing the 'troika of challenges'—terrorism, separatism, and extremism—through its . India utilizes this platform to consistently raise concerns about cross-border terrorism, demanding 'no double standards' in tackling the issue, a clear, albeit indirect, message to Pakistan. Furthermore, the organization's focus on regional stability is evident in its discussions on Afghanistan, with India advocating for an 'inclusive government' and emphasizing its historical role in providing humanitarian aid. However, the lack of a collective defense component limits the 's ability to intervene directly in conflicts, focusing instead on confidence-building measures and political dialogue to prevent bilateral hostilities from escalating into broader regional crises. This structural limitation is a crucial analytical point for Mains answers regarding the effectiveness of multilateral security organizations in addressing localized disputes.