Relations between india and china have always been complex. Sometimes cooperation, sometimes competition. In this case, India's participation in an organization called the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) is a big strategic move. This organization was launched in 2001. The main members of the organization are china, russia, india, pakistan, and the Central Asian countries. Moreover, its main objectives are security, trade, cultural relations, and counter-terrorism. Central Asia is a special region in terms of energy resources such as oil and gas. That is why india is looking for trade opportunities and security cooperation there. Despite border issues with china, the SCO acts as a neutral platform for direct dialogue. Especially after the Galwan clash in Ladakh in 2020, such meetings have become very important. Moreover, since pakistan is also a member of the SCO, India's participation in the organization has been helpful in keeping relations with both countries balanced.
On July 15, 2025, External Affairs minister S. jaishankar attended the SCO Foreign Ministers' Meeting in china in person. At the same time, only a junior minister went to the ASEAN meeting in Malaysia. This shows that india currently considers relations with china, russia, and Central Asia more important than the US and South Asia. jaishankar also met leaders, including Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Foreign minister Wang Yi, and President Xi Jinping, during this trip. This assumes significance as it is his first visit to china after the Galwan clash. There were also personal meetings with the ministers of russia and Iran.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is trying to invest heavily in Central Asia, control trade routes, and gain commercial and political influence in the region. In return, india is trying to establish its role and influence in the region through the shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Through this agreement, india is able to balance china, strengthen relations with russia, and maintain its security and economic interests across Central Asia.

India is using the shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as a platform for security, trade, and energy resources. This is a key tactic to establish direct dialogue with china, build connectivity with Central Asian countries, and strengthen India’s influence in the global political space.
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Sowmiya Sriram

19/07/2025 07:44 PM