India hosts virtual SCO Summit of Heads of States, navigating geopolitical challenges

New Delhi: The 23rd summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State begins today, with India as the virtual host and chair.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the summit, which will be attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. This marks Putin's first appearance at an international event since suppressing a mutiny by the Wagner mercenary group in late June.

Formed in 2001 by China and Russia, with additional members from former Soviet Central Asian states, the SCO is a political and security group aimed at countering Western influence in Eurasia.

During the summit, Iran is expected to be accepted as a member, while Belarus will sign a memorandum of obligations that will pave the way for its future membership. Several European countries want to become members and observers. 

The timing of the summit is significant, as it follows Indian Prime Minister Modi's recent state visit to the United States, during which he and President Joe Biden declared their countries to be among the closest partners in the world.

India currently holds the presidency of the SCO and the G20, presenting a diplomatic challenge as relations between Western nations and the Russia-China partnership remain strained due to  Russia - Ukraine continuing conflict.

Media reports suggest that all SCO member states, including China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, will attend the summit, while Iran, Belarus, and Mongolia have been invited as observers. Turkmenistan will attend as a guest.

India's Chairmanship of the SCO has focused on fostering cooperation in areas such as startups and innovation, traditional medicine, digital inclusion, youth empowerment, and shared Buddhist heritage. The nation has also sought to strengthen people-to-people ties and cultural exchanges among member states.

Connectivity with Central Asia and the situation in Afghanistan is among India's key priorities during the summit. India has faced obstacles in establishing land connectivity with Central Asia due to the unstable conditions in Afghanistan and the strained relations with Pakistan on terrorism. These issues will likely be discussed during the virtual gathering.

Initially planned as an in-person gathering, the decision to hold the summit virtually was announced unexpectedly last month. Despite the format change, India's Chairmanship of the SCO has been marked by extensive collaboration and mutually beneficial cooperation among member states. 

Throughout its tenure, India has hosted numerous meetings and events, including 14 ministerial-level meetings, highlighting the active engagement and efforts of the country within the SCO framework.

In September, both Putin and Xi are expected to visit New Delhi as India hosts the G20 summit, where leaders from various member nations, including President Biden, are also likely to be present.