Why is PM Modi Skipping the SCO Summit in Kazakhstan? Key Insights for Competitive Exam Aspirants

India’s strategic priorities at the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Astana are guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of SECURE, which stands for Security, Economic development, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and Environmental protection. This vision will steer the Indian delegation, led by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, at the 24th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State on July 4.

Historical Context and Current Developments

Background of SCO: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was founded in 2001, with the primary aim of fostering regional security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange among its member states. India became a full member in 2017, reflecting its growing interest in Central Asian geopolitics.

PM Modi’s Absence: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the SCO Summit in Kazakhstan. This decision is notable given his consistent participation in the previous five summits. The official reason cited is a scheduling conflict with the ongoing parliamentary session. However, this explanation is seen as unconvincing since the parliament session is not in crisis, and Astana is relatively close to Delhi. Additionally, PM Modi is scheduled to visit Russia and Austria from July 8 to July 10.

Strained Relations and Geopolitical Shifts: Two significant factors have influenced this decision:

1. India-China Relations: Tensions have escalated following the border clashes in 2020.
2. Russia-Ukraine Conflict: The ongoing conflict since February 2022 has further complicated international relations.

Shift in India’s SCO Policy: Experts suggest a shift in India’s approach towards the SCO. India was initially expected to host the SCO Summit in 2023 physically but opted for a virtual format instead. This cautious stance reflects India’s strategic calculations and geopolitical implications, especially considering China’s dominant role in the SCO.

Diplomatic Dynamics: Reciprocity in diplomatic behavior is crucial. For instance, President Xi Jinping’s absence at the G20 Summit in Delhi in 2023 may influence India’s decisions regarding future SCO summits. Additionally, pressure from Washington to distance itself from an organization perceived as anti-Western and India’s strained ties with China are significant factors.

Importance of SCO for India: The SCO is a critical platform for Central Asian states, playing a vital role in regional stability, border dispute resolution, and countering radicalism, drug trafficking, and terrorism. Central Asian states view India’s active participation as a counterbalance to China and Russia’s influence.

Central Asian States’ Significance: Central Asian states are crucial for connectivity, resources, and security. India aims to strengthen ties with these states through initiatives like the India-Central Asia Summit, avoiding frameworks dominated by China.

Key Agendas at the Astana Summit:

• Addressing radicalism, terrorism, separatism, and drug trafficking.
• Discussing ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
• Kazakhstan’s proposal for an SCO Initiative on World Unity for Just Peace and Harmony.
• Belarus’s expected membership in the SCO.
• Reviewing two decades of SCO activities and evaluating future cooperation.

SCO’s Broader Goals: The summit will focus on enhancing cooperation in politics, trade, economy, science and technology, culture, education, energy, transportation, and environmental protection. Strengthening mutual confidence and maintaining regional peace, security, and stability are core objectives.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• SCO Background: Founded in 2001, India joined in 2017.
• PM Modi’s Absence: Official reason is a parliamentary session clash; underlying factors include strained India-China relations and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
• Policy Shift: India’s cautious approach towards SCO, opting for a virtual summit in 2023.
• Diplomatic Dynamics: Reciprocity and pressure from Washington influence India’s stance.
• SCO’s Importance: Vital for regional stability, countering radicalism, and balancing China and Russia’s influence.
• Central Asian States: Key for connectivity, resources, and security; India seeks strong ties.
• Astana Summit Agendas: Radicalism, terrorism, Ukraine and Gaza conflicts, Kazakhstan’s peace initiative, Belarus’s membership, and reviewing SCO’s activities.
• SCO Goals: Promote cooperation in various fields, maintain regional peace and stability, and foster a just international order.