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Introduction

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO),  2001 stands as a pivotal entity fostering regional stability and cooperation across member nations, entailing economic, military, and cultural collaborations. SCO shoulders the critical role of harmonizing relations and nurturing collaborative initiatives amidst a diverse set of ideologies, economic standings, and geopolitical narratives. In 2017, at the historic summit in Astana, India, and Pakistan officially joined SCO as full-fledged members.

Body

Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO in the following ways

• Border Disputes: The historical canvas of the SCO is painted with severe discord emanating from long-standing border disputes. For instance, the Indo-Pak disagreement over the Kashmir region has been a flashpoint for decades.
• Economic Disparities: Economic philosophies within the SCO witness significant disparities. Eg: Russia endorsing a socialist-oriented economy, starkly different from China’s controlled market economy.
• Policy Changes: Changing geopolitical dynamics have led to fluid alliances within the SCO, demanding a balanced approach to policy formulation. Eg: India’s growing closeness to the US and other western nations.
• Democracy vs. Authoritarianism: The SCO presents a melange of governance styles, with India’s vibrant democracy standing in contrast to authoritarian setups seen in nations like China which often seeds ideological clashes.
• Human Rights Issues: Human rights issues are a source of friction within the SCO. Instances such as the global concern over human rights situations in Xinjiang, China, demand a tactful approach to sustain cooperation among member nations.
• Resource Allocation: Conflicts also arise from disagreements over resource allocation, such as water disputes seen in Central Asian countries, emphasizing the need for adept negotiation to foster equitable resource distribution and maintain peace within the SCO umbrella.

India’s Role in Mitigating Problems

• High-level engagements: For instance, India gave the health acronym (‘H’ for Health-care cooperation, ‘E’ for Economic cooperation, ‘A’ for Alternate Energy, ‘L’ for Literature and Culture ‘T’ for Terrorism free society, ‘H’ for Humanitarian Cooperation) for strengthening the SCO cooperation.
• Conflict resolution: Beyond high-level meets, India can leverage its historical non-aligned stance to mediate conflicts and disputes within the SCO ambit, promoting peace and stability through diplomatic channels and continuous dialogue.
• Trade and Investment: India has been forging economic ties, encouraging partnerships through various forums such as the SCO Business Conclave and Investment Forum. It can further strengthen these ties by initiating more bilateral trade agreements.
• Infrastructure Development: India’s involvement in significant regional projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) showcases its keenness in fostering economic harmony through infrastructure development, aiding in economic integration of the SCO members.
• Joint Military Exercises: India’s commitment to regional security is evident through its participation in joint military drills like the Peace Mission exercises, which highlight its collaborative approach in ensuring stability and peace in the region.
• Counter-terrorism: In the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), India has been instrumental in sharing intelligence and coordinating efforts to combat terrorism, showcasing its staunch stand against terror outfits and its emphasis on regional security.
• Cultural Exchanges: India has been at the forefront of promoting cultural ties, often through platforms like the SCO Cultural Festival, highlighting its rich cultural tapestry and fostering understanding and unity among member nations through cultural diplomacy.
• Educational Collaborations: To enhance humanitarian bonds, India can upscale its educational outreach by offering more scholarships to students from SCO nations and initiating academic exchange programs, thereby nurturing intellectual bonds among the youth of SCO nations.

Conclusion

Despite the ‘Virus of Conflict’ permeating the SCO, India leverages its diplomatic prowess and collaborative spirit to work towards a peaceful and cooperative regional environment. By nurturing a dialogue of understanding and fostering collaborative initiatives, India stands as a beacon of stability, steering the SCO towards a path of harmonized and prosperous coexistence.

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