India’s relations with multilateral organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) play a crucial role in shaping its regional and global influence. Here’s a detailed look at how these relationships impact India:

1. Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
a. Strategic and Security Dimensions:

Regional Stability: The SCO is primarily focused on regional security and economic cooperation. India’s participation helps it engage with Central Asian countries and address regional security issues, including terrorism and extremism.
Counter-Terrorism: The SCO provides a platform for India to collaborate with member countries on counter-terrorism efforts, which is crucial given the region’s security dynamics.
b. Economic Opportunities:

Trade and Investment: While the SCO is not primarily an economic organization, it provides India with opportunities to enhance economic ties with Central Asian countries. This can open up new markets for Indian goods and services and facilitate investments in the region.
c. Diplomatic Leverage:

Balancing Regional Powers: India’s involvement in the SCO allows it to engage with major regional players like China and Russia. This can help balance its influence and provide a counterweight to other regional power dynamics.
2. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
a. Economic Integration:

Trade Relations: ASEAN is a significant economic bloc with a combined GDP that is substantial on the global stage. India’s engagement with ASEAN enhances its trade relations and economic ties with Southeast Asia, a region of growing economic importance.
Investment Opportunities: ASEAN countries are major destinations for Indian investments and vice versa. This economic partnership can lead to increased opportunities for Indian businesses and investors.
b. Strategic and Geopolitical Interests:

Regional Security: ASEAN plays a key role in regional security architecture. India’s collaboration with ASEAN helps it contribute to and influence regional security frameworks, including issues in the South China Sea.
Geopolitical Balance: Engaging with ASEAN helps India counterbalance China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region, ensuring a more balanced regional power structure.
c. Cultural and Diplomatic Ties:

Cultural Exchange: India shares historical and cultural ties with Southeast Asian countries, which are reinforced through ASEAN. These cultural connections enhance diplomatic relations and people-to-people exchanges.
Diplomatic Presence: Active participation in ASEAN-related forums enhances India’s diplomatic presence and influence in the Indo-Pacific region, aligning with its “Act East” policy.
Overall Impact on India’s Regional and Global Influence
a. Strengthening Regional Influence:

Enhanced Role: By engaging with these multilateral organizations, India strengthens its role in regional security and economic frameworks. This involvement helps India assert its influence in key regions like Central Asia and Southeast Asia.
b. Global Standing:

Diplomatic Leverage: Participation in these organizations elevates India’s global standing and provides it with platforms to influence international norms and policies.
Strategic Partnerships: India’s involvement in SCO and ASEAN helps it build strategic partnerships with major regional powers, contributing to its global strategic positioning.
c. Addressing Global Challenges:

Collaborative Efforts: These multilateral platforms enable India to address global challenges such as terrorism, economic instability, and regional conflicts in collaboration with other member states, enhancing its role in global governance.
In summary, India’s engagement with the SCO and ASEAN is vital for its regional and global strategy. It enhances economic opportunities, bolsters regional security, and improves India’s diplomatic leverage on the global stage.