Roadmap for Answer Writing
Introduction (50-60 words)
- Briefly introduce the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and its objectives.
- Fact: SCO was established in 2001 to promote regional stability, economic cooperation, and security. (Source: SCO official website)
- Mention that India and Pakistan became full members of the SCO in 2017.
- Lead into the idea of internal conflicts or тАЬVirus of ConflictтАЭ affecting the organization’s functioning.
Body
1. Challenges and Conflicts within SCO (100-120 words)
- Border Disputes:
- Highlight the Indo-Pak Kashmir conflict as an example of longstanding territorial disputes within the SCO.
- Fact: The Kashmir issue has been a major flashpoint between India and Pakistan for decades, complicating diplomatic relations. (Source: UN reports on India-Pakistan disputes)
- Economic Disparities:
- Discuss economic differences, e.g., RussiaтАЩs socialist economy vs ChinaтАЩs market economy.
- Fact: China and Russia have divergent economic systems that create policy-making challenges. (Source: World Bank country profiles)
- Geopolitical and Policy Shifts:
- Mention IndiaтАЩs growing ties with Western countries (e.g., the US) and its impact on SCOтАЩs unity.
- Fact: IndiaтАЩs participation in the Quad and closer relations with the US can affect its alignment within SCO. (Source: Ministry of External Affairs, India)
- Governance Ideologies:
- Highlight the contrast between IndiaтАЩs democratic governance and authoritarian systems in China and Russia.
- Fact: India is the worldтАЩs largest democracy, which contrasts sharply with China’s one-party system. (Source: Economist Intelligence Unit Democracy Index)
- Human Rights Issues:
- Discuss how human rights violations (e.g., in Xinjiang, China) create friction among members.
- Fact: Reports by Amnesty International highlight concerns about human rights in China, such as the treatment of Uyghur Muslims. (Source: Amnesty International)
- Resource Disputes:
- Central Asian countries within the SCO often face water resource conflicts.
- Fact: Water scarcity in Central Asia, especially the Aral Sea Basin, has been a source of tension. (Source: UNDP on Central Asian water issues)
2. IndiaтАЩs Role in Mitigating the Problems (150-170 words)
- High-Level Diplomacy:
- Mention IndiaтАЩs efforts to strengthen cooperation through its HEALTH framework (Healthcare, Economy, Alternate energy, Literature, Terrorism-free society, Humanitarian cooperation).
- Fact: The acronym HEALTH was proposed by India to address key areas of cooperation within the SCO. (Source: Press Information Bureau, Government of India)
- Conflict Resolution:
- Highlight IndiaтАЩs historical non-aligned stance and its use of diplomacy to resolve disputes.
- Fact: IndiaтАЩs non-aligned foreign policy allows it to mediate between conflicting parties. (Source: Ministry of External Affairs, India)
- Trade and Investment:
- Discuss IndiaтАЩs focus on economic integration through forums like the SCO Business Conclave.
- Fact: India has been promoting regional trade and investment through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). (Source: Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India)
- Military and Counter-Terrorism Cooperation:
- Mention IndiaтАЩs participation in joint military exercises (e.g., Peace Mission) and counter-terrorism efforts via SCOтАЩs Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS).
- Fact: India plays a crucial role in sharing intelligence and participating in counter-terrorism initiatives through RATS. (Source: SCO official reports)
- Cultural and Educational Collaboration:
- Focus on IndiaтАЩs initiatives to promote cultural exchanges (e.g., SCO Cultural Festival) and educational scholarships for SCO students.
- Fact: India has been instrumental in promoting cultural diplomacy and offering educational opportunities to SCO members. (Source: Ministry of Culture, India)
Conclusion (40-50 words)
- Summarize by reiterating that despite the challenges (“Virus of Conflict”) within the SCO, India plays a key role in maintaining stability through diplomacy, economic integration, and security cooperation.
- Conclude by emphasizing IndiaтАЩs commitment to fostering peace and cooperation within the organization.
The “Virus of Conflict” affecting the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) underscores the challenges in regional cooperation. India can play a pivotal role in mitigating these issues through the following measures:
Through these actions, India can help reduce conflicts and enhance the effectiveness of the SCO.
Model Answer
Introduction
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), established in 2001, plays a pivotal role in promoting regional cooperation among its member nations in areas such as security, economic development, and cultural exchanges. However, the organization faces several internal conflicts, often referred to as the “Virus of Conflict,” which hinders its overall functioning. India, a key member since 2017, plays an essential role in mitigating these challenges, ensuring stability, and fostering collaboration within the SCO framework.
Virus of Conflict Affecting the SCO
India’s Role in Mitigating Problems
Conclusion
Despite the “Virus of Conflict” affecting the SCO, India plays a central role in mitigating these challenges. By emphasizing diplomacy, economic development, regional security, and cultural exchange, India contributes significantly to fostering a cooperative and peaceful environment within the SCO.