Why in news?
- SCO defence ministers' meet was hosted by India in its capacity as chair of the grouping.
- It was attended by the defence ministers of six other members, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, as well as two observer countries Belarus and Iran in person.
- Pakistan Defence Minister, who had been invited to SCO meeting, did not turn up.
- Instead, special advisor to the Pakistan Prime Minister on defence, attended it through video conference.
- At the end of the deliberations, all the SCO member countries signed a protocol, expressing their collective will to make the region secure, peaceful and prosperous.
What’s in today’s article?
- Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
- Key highlights of the speech delivered by Indian Defence Minister
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO):
- It is a permanent intergovernmental international organisation, established in 2001.
- It is built on the foundation laid by the Shanghai Five grouping of Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
- The five countries had come together to work on regional security, reduction of border troops, and terrorism in the post-Soviet era in
- In 2001, the “Shanghai Five” inducted Uzbekistan into the group and named it the SCO, outlining its principles in a charter that promoted what was called the “Shanghai spirit” of cooperation.
Member Countries:
- 8 member states: China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan.
- India and Pakistan became full members at the Heads of State Council meet in Astana in 2017.
- Iran will be the newest member (9th) of the SCO, when it joins the forum in 2023 under the chairmanship of India.
- 4 Observer members: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Mongolia
- In 2021, the procedure of granting Iran the status of Member State was started at the SCO Summit in Dushanbe.
- In 2022, a similar procedure was launched for Belarus at the SCO Summit in Samarkand
- 9 Dialogue Partners —Azerbaijan, Armenia, Egypt, Cambodia, Qatar, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Sri Lanka.
- In 2022, the procedure for granting the status of Dialogue Partners to Bahrain, Kuwait, Maldives, Myanmar and the United Arab Emirates was initiated at the SCO Summit in Samarkand.
Organisational Structure:
- The Heads of State Council (HSC) is the supreme decision-making body in the SCO, it meets once a year.
- The Council of Heads of Government is the second-highest council in the organisation.
- The Council of Foreign Ministers hold regular meetings, where they discuss the current international situation.
- Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), based in Tashkent, is established to combat terrorism, separatism and extremism.
- Official working languages: Chinese, Russian
- SCO Secretariat: Beijing, China
Key highlights of the speech delivered by Indian Defence Minister
- Work towards eliminating terrorism in all forms
- Indian Defence Minister told member states of the SCO to collectively work towards eliminating terrorism in all forms and fix accountability on those aiding or funding such activities.
- He said that any kind of terrorist act or support to it in any form is a major crime against humanity.
- The Defence Minister’s remarks on dealing with terror come days after 5 Army soldiers were killed in a terror attack in Poonch near the LoC.
- Highlighted the issue of radicalisation of youth
- Radicalisation of youth is a cause for concern not only from the security point of view, but is also a major obstacle in the path of socio-economic progress of society.
- Highlighted the need of ensuring territorial integrity
- India sees a robust framework of regional cooperation which mutually respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all msember states by taking care of their legitimate interests.
- Highlighted issues like food security, climate change and energy security
- Indian minister urged member countries to ensure food security under an integrated plan which will establish SCO as a role model for the whole world.
- To deal with the issue of climate change, he called for working on a common strategy, giving priority to mitigation and adaptation.
- He said that the energy security should be a part of the common strategy.
- Highlighted the concept of ‘SECURE
- The defence minister also highlighted the concept of ‘SECURE’ floated by PM Modi during the SCO summit in China in 2018.
- S stands for security of citizens,
- E for economic development for all,
- C for connecting the region,
- U for uniting the people,
- R for respect for sovereignty and Integrity and
- E stands for environmental protection.
