International Relations · GS2.9, GS3.8, GS2.10 · 2026-10-22 · 3 min read · 2026-10-22-am
India's Role in SCO for Regional Security and Counter-Terrorism
India has actively used the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) platform to address terrorism, emphasizing that regional cooperation must tackle terrorism comprehensively. This stance is crucial for UPSC aspirants to understand India's diplomatic efforts and security priorities in multilateral forums.
India advocates for a unified regional approach against terrorism within the SCO to ensure stable security for economic and developmental progress.
Why is this in the news?
India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Tajikistan in October 2026, highlighting terrorism as a key regional security issue.
How has India used the SCO platform to address terrorism?
- India's intervention. At the 2026 SCO meeting, India raised the issue of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, stressing that regional cooperation cannot be meaningful if terrorism is approached selectively.
- Diplomatic challenge. India's stance was significant given Pakistan's presence at the meeting, underscoring the diplomatic challenge within the SCO due to members' divergent strategic interests.
- Refusal to endorse joint statement. India refused to endorse the 2025 SCO Defence Ministers’ joint statement as it did not reflect concerns over Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, including the 2025 Pahalgam attack.
Why does India's position on terrorism matter for regional cooperation?
- Linking terrorism to regional peace. India argues terrorism cannot be separated from regional peace, economic integration, and development agendas.
- Security environment for economic goals. Stable security is essential for economic corridors, investor confidence, and uninterrupted transport networks in the region.
- Examples of connectivity projects. Projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor and Chabahar Port development depend on respect for sovereignty and secure borders.
What challenges and opportunities does the SCO face in combating terrorism?
- Need for common approach. The SCO's effectiveness is limited if political disagreements prevent a unified approach to security threats.
- Potential for practical cooperation. India advocates for intelligence-sharing, action against terror financing, disrupting recruitment, and denying safe havens to terrorists within the SCO.
- Balancing cooperation and security. India supports continuing cooperation on trade and development but insists these cannot succeed without a stable security environment.
Key numbers
| Figure | What it measures | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Year of Operation Sindoor and Pahalgam terror attack referenced in India's SCO interventions | |
| 2026 | Year of the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting where India raised terrorism issues |
Back to basics: Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
The SCO is a regional intergovernmental organization focused on political, economic, and security cooperation among member states. It aims to promote regional stability, economic integration, and counter-terrorism efforts. Understanding the SCO's role helps explain India's multilateral diplomacy and security strategies in Central and South Asia.
Practice: MCQ, Mains and revision
Prelims MCQ
Consider the following statements about India's role in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO): 1. India has used the SCO platform to highlight cross-border terrorism and called for dismantling the ecosystem of terrorism. 2. India endorsed the 2025 SCO Defence Ministers’ joint statement without objections. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and trap
Answer: (a). Statement 2 is incorrect because India refused to endorse the 2025 SCO Defence Ministers’ joint statement due to its failure to address Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
Mains question (15 marks)
Examine India's approach to regional security cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) with reference to its counter-terrorism strategy.
Examine: Analyze how India uses the SCO platform for regional security and counter-terrorism, including challenges and implications.
Intro: India leverages the SCO to address terrorism as a key regional security issue impacting peace and development.
- India's consistent emphasis on tackling cross-border terrorism, especially from Pakistan, within the SCO framework.
- The link India draws between stable security and economic integration, highlighting connectivity projects dependent on peace.
- Challenges posed by divergent member interests and India's diplomatic balancing act in the SCO.
- India's advocacy for practical cooperation measures like intelligence-sharing and disrupting terror networks.
Conclusion: India's approach in the SCO reflects its broader strategy to integrate security and development goals through regional cooperation.
Quick revision
- What is India's stance on terrorism in the SCO?
- India insists that terrorism must be addressed comprehensively and at its source for meaningful regional cooperation.
- Why did India refuse to endorse the 2025 SCO Defence Ministers’ joint statement?
- Because it did not reflect India's concerns over cross-border and Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
- How does terrorism affect regional economic projects according to India?
- Terrorism undermines stable security, which is essential for economic corridors, investor confidence, and connectivity projects.
Sources
- [1] The Hindu: Peace for progress: on the SCO, regional cooperation, the fight against terror · 2026-10-21 · newspaper