Defence Secretary participated in Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting

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A Joint Communique was issued in which the SCO Defence Ministers agreed to develop the idea of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’.
- It is rooted in the ancient Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The World Is One Family; finds its mention in Maha Upanishad).

Significance of SCO for India
- Geopolitical: Strengthen India’s position as a promoter of a multilateral global order as well as helps to practice strategic autonomy.
- Economic: give access to the central asian region rich in iron-ore, coal, gas, uranium, etc.
- Counter-terrorism: SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) provides access to key information and intelligence on the movements of terrorists and drug-trafficking.
- Connectivity: give boost to projects like Chabahar Port, International North-South Transport Corridor, TAPI pipeline, etc.

Challenges for India in SCO
- Dominance of china: Barring India, the belt and road initiative has been endorsed by all members.
- Rivalry between India with Pakistan and China casts a shadow on the grouping.
- SCO is seen as an anti-West forum by western countries.
- Limited institutional capacity and decision-making processes.

About Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

Genesis: In 2001 at the Shanghai Summit by Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
About: It is a permanent intergovernmental international organisation.
Members: 9 member countries, 3 observer states and 6 dialogue partners.
Official language: Russian and Chinese.
Goal: strengthening mutual confidence and good-neighbourly relations among the member countries.