Central Idea

Prime Minister Modi welcomed Iran as the newest member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) during the virtual summit of the grouping.
Iran’s membership has been discussed for years, and recent geopolitical shifts have made it more relevant.

About SCO

The SCO, formed in 2001, aims to enhance regional cooperation in combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism in Central Asia.

Previous membership: The SCO consisted of eight member countries, including China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and the Central Asian nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
Observer and Dialogue Partner status: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia have Observer status, while Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, Nepal, Turkey, and Sri Lanka hold Dialogue Partner status.

Nuclear deal context: After signing the nuclear deal (JCPOA) in 2015, Iran’s path to SCO membership was facilitated.
Changing geopolitical landscape: The US withdrawal from Afghanistan has created opportunities for increased Chinese influence in the region.
Expanding alliances: Iran has sought to establish closer ties beyond its traditional ally Russia, including reaching out to Saudi Arabia and opening a border market with Pakistan.

China’s interests: Iran’s energy resources and cooperation in areas like oil are beneficial to China as it seeks to counter the US.
Russia’s alliances: Russia aims to strengthen its position by building alliances within the SCO, including potential full membership for Belarus.
US-India relations: India’s growing partnership with the US and their shared democratic values contrast with Chinese authoritarianism, creating a delicate balancing act for India.

Maintaining partnerships: India has strengthened ties with the US through significant technology and defence agreements, emphasizing shared democratic values.
Historical ties with Iran: India has had traditional commercial ties with Iran, primarily in the import of crude oil.
Challenges in balancing: India’s shifting alliances with the US and historical ties with Iran pose challenges as the dynamics of the SCO evolve.

Iran’s membership in the SCO signifies the changing geopolitical landscape and the increasing influence of China and Russia in the region.
India faces the challenge of balancing its partnerships with the US and historical ties with Iran while navigating the evolving dynamics within the SCO.