Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) - Pahal Academy Concept Series

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SCO Samarkand Declaration

About

• SCO is a permanent intergovernmental international organization.

• It’s a Eurasian political, economic and military organization aiming to

maintain peace, security and stability in the region.

• It was created in 2001.

•The SCO Charter was signed in 2002, and entered into force in 2003.

Genesis:

• Prior to the creation of SCO in 2001, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan were members of the Shanghai Five.

• Shanghai Five (1996) emerged from a series of border demarcation and demilitarization talks which the four former Soviet republics held with China to ensure stability along the borders.

• Following the accession of Uzbekistan to the organization in 2001, the Shanghai Five was renamed the SCO.

• India and Pakistan became members in 2017.

• On 17th September 2021, it was announced that Iran would become a full member of the SCO

Objectives:

• Strengthening mutual trust and neighborliness among the member states

• Promoting effective cooperation in -politics, trade & economy, research & technology and culture

• Enhancing ties in education, energy, transport, tourism, environmental protection, etc.

• Maintain and ensure peace, security and stability in the region

• Establishment of a democratic, fair and rational new international political & economic order

Membership:

Kazakhstan China Kyrgyzstan Russia Tajikistan Uzbekistan India Pakistan Iran(MOU Signed)

Official language:

The official working language of the SCO Secretariat is Russian and Chinese

Relevance of SCO for India :

•A platform to advance Connect Central Asia Policy and strategy for Eurasian region.

•Controlling regional terrorism.

•Afghanistan Issue.

•Political : New bilateral and trilateral ties with regional countries.

•Economic : Central-Asian region is rich in iron-ore, coal, oil, gas, uranium etc.

•Energy Cooperation : Projects like TAPI.

SCO 2022 OUTCOMES:

•The Samarkand declaration

•Commitment to peaceful settlement of differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation.

•The principles of mutual respect for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity of States are the basis for sustainable development of international relations.

•To form a unified list of terrorists, separatist and extremist organizations whose activities are prohibited on the territories of the SCO member states.

Indian Perspective @SAMARKAND:

•Connectivity

•Food Security : In this context, India is trying to popularise millets, as SCO can play a big role in marking 2023 as the International Year of Millets.

•Working Group on Traditional Medicine: World Health Organisation (WHO) opened its Global Center for Traditional Medicines in Gujarat in April 2022.

•Tourism: Varanasi was declared as the SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2022-2023 to promote the rich cultural and historical heritage of the people and the tourism potential of SCO member states.

Pankaj Sir
RAS Aspirant with Moto - Chill Bro