The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) holds immense potential to emerge as a globally influential economic and geopolitical bloc, given its vast geographic scope and the significant population of its member states. However, to fully realize these ambitions, it is crucial to address and resolve the existing irritants between member states in a satisfactory manner.
The recent virtual SCO Council of Heads of State summit, hosted by India, shed light on the considerable distance that still needs to be covered before the bloc can achieve its true potential. Instead of focusing on the promise of multilateral cooperation, bilateral disputes took center stage, with the host nation utilizing the platform to take a swipe at its geopolitical adversaries within the SCO.
On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged neighbouring India to capitalize on the immense opportunities offered by this mega-project, rather than creating obstacles in its path. He emphasized the significance of the project, highlighting its potential to benefit not just Pakistan and China but also Iran, Afghanistan, the Middle East, and the entire region. The Prime Minister underscored that CPEC was not merely a plan to connect regions and infrastructure but also to foster people-to-people connectivity and promote sectors such as healthcare, education, and skill development, ensuring mass participation in the process.
It is a widely recognized principle that multilateral forums should not be exploited as platforms to settle bilateral scores. Instead, these bodies should provide a conducive atmosphere for resolving long-standing regional disputes. Unfortunately, India’s current leadership has demonstrated a lack of seriousness in engaging Pakistan in a meaningful dialogue for peace, both bilaterally and at multilateral platforms. Regrettably, the ruling BJP regime seems more interested in isolating Pakistan by resorting to tired and divisive narratives.
Should this attitude persist, little progress will be made in alleviating the hostilities in the subcontinent, potentially condemning another generation to perpetual confrontation. Terrorism, climate change, poverty, and disease are shared challenges that can be effectively tackled through bilateral cooperation and within the framework of the SCO if India chooses to shed its rigid stance.
Regarding the SCO itself, it possesses the potential to transform into an influential Eurasian powerhouse, driving growth and development across the entire region and the world at large. However, until the existing irritants between member states are earnestly addressed and resolved, the SCO will remain nothing more than a mere talk shop, mirroring the fate that has befallen the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
In conclusion, the SCO stands on the precipice of becoming one of the world’s most prosperous and influential economic and geopolitical blocs. To achieve this, it is imperative to prioritize the resolution of bilateral disputes and foster an environment of mutual understanding and cooperation. The member states must rise above their differences and work collectively to address common challenges, utilizing the SCO as a platform for dialogue and joint action. Only then can the SCO’s true potential be realized, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for all its members and the wider world.