Why in news?

Recently, India hosted the SCO heads of governments meeting for the first time.

What are the outcomes of the meeting?

• It aimed to develop a “Plan of Priority Practical Measures for 2021-2022” to overcome the socio-economic, financial and food consequences of COVID-19.
• In the final statement, members said that they are committed to strengthen multilateralism and the principles in UN charter.

What are the differences seen in the meeting?

• Neither Indian PM nor Pakistan PM attended the meeting.
• In the final statement, both the countries statement on terrorism was in deviation.
• India mentioned that cross-border terrorism is one of the biggest challenges & Pakistan’s representative too spoke of the need to combat state terrorism in disputed areas in reference to J&K.
• Both India-Pakistan troops did not arrive to a conclusion on the issue of Regional Anti-Terror Structure.
• India also mentioned the need for maintaining transparency and trust in trade practices with reference to China over the BRI.

How important is SCO for India?

• SCO grouping referred as the “Asian NATO” though it did not have the mandate of security alliances.
• With the decline in India’s engagement with SAARC, BBIN and the RCEP, SCO is one of the few regional structures to engage in.
• It provides a convenient channel to maintain trade and strategic ties to Central Asian countries.
• It is seen as a platform to conduct bilateral discussions & resolve the issues between India & China, Pakistan.
• Amidst of LAC stand-off, India used SCO for talks with China.
• On the whole, it seen by India to retains its geopolitical balance & maintains robust relation with the western world.

Source: The Hindu