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 “Virus of Conflict” 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., Russia’s socialist economy vs China’s 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 India’s growing ties with Western countries (e.g., the US) and its impact on SCO’s unity.
  • Fact: India’s 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 India’s democratic governance and authoritarian systems in China and Russia.
  • Fact: India is the world’s 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. India’s Role in Mitigating the Problems (150-170 words)

• High-Level Diplomacy:
  • Mention India’s 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 India’s historical non-aligned stance and its use of diplomacy to resolve disputes.
  • Fact: India’s non-aligned foreign policy allows it to mediate between conflicting parties. (Source: Ministry of External Affairs, India)
• Trade and Investment:
  • Discuss India’s 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 India’s participation in joint military exercises (e.g., Peace Mission) and counter-terrorism efforts via SCO’s 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 India’s 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 India’s commitment to fostering peace and cooperation within the organization.