SCO Moment: Rising Global South in a multipolar world

This picture of bonhomie and solidarity was not just optics. The joint declaration that emerged from the summit was substantive, providing content and gravitas to this gathering of the leaders of developing countries.

Looking back at the SCO summit in Tianjin, one can discern five distinctive takeaways that will define the future trajectory of the 10-nation grouping. 

Reforming global governance

In a signal to the West, which continues to dominate global governance institutions, both political and economic, the SCO countries called for the “formation of a more representative, democratic, just and multipolar world order.” This call for accelerating democratisation of global governance was supported by all countries, including India, Russia, China, Iran and Türkiye. In his remarks, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of SCO in promoting multilateralism and an inclusive world order. The leaders of China, Russia and Türkiye also made a powerful pitch for creating a multipolar world order.

Enhancing counter-terror cooperation

With the SCO region beset by the three evils of terrorism, extremism and separatism in various forms and manifestations, the Tianjin summit will be remembered for taking a strong collective stand against the scourge of terrorism. The summit’s strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack and cross-border terror was a vindication of India’s long-standing position. In a message to the states sponsoring terrorism, the Tianjin Declaration highlighted “the leading role of sovereign states in countering terrorist and extremist threats.” In his impassioned speech, PM Modi warned against double standards on terrorism and the importance of speaking in one voice on this pressing issue.  Going forward, SCO member states need to enhance their counter-terror cooperation proactively as without security, the vision of an empowered and prosperous Eurasia, which underpins SCO, can’t be realized. In this regard, the Tianjin summit agreed to set up four new centers to address contemporary challenges such as terrorism, organized crime, drug trafficking, and cybersecurity. These new initiatives will strengthen and reinforce the SCO as Eurasia’s preeminent forum for countering terrorism and extremism.

Rules-based Connectivity

The Tianjin summit endorsed enhancing connectivity to promote mutually beneficial economic integration, but there were differences on the right way to shape connectivity. While all SCO member countries endorsed BRI, India proposed its alternative model of transparent and rules-based connectivity. In his remarks at the SCO summit, PM Modi highlighted that India is working on initiatives such as the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor to enhance linkages with Afghanistan and Central Asia.

Focus on Global South

The largest-ever SCO summit which brought the leaders from Central Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East to the northern Chinese city of Tianjin marked a powerful demonstration of solidarity of the Global South and underscored the rising influence of the SCO as a coalition of non-Western powers determined to shape an alternative global order that is more reflective of interests and priorities of the Global South. This solidarity was reflected in a broad consensus on advancing socio-economic development agenda and a rejection of diktats-based politics of the West. The SCO grouping took a joint stand against unilateral coercive economic measures and sanctions that constituted a forceful rejection of the US’ tactics of suppressing those countries that challenge the West such as Russia and Iran. To bypass western sanctions, the grouping also supported an increased use of national currencies in financial settlement, without taking an overt stand against the US dollar.

The SCO member states agreed to set up an SCO development bank, which will help set up an alternative payment system that reduces reliance on the US dollar. The Development Bank is planned along the lines of the BRICS-led New Development Bank that can provide finance for socio-economic development projects in the Global South countries.

Expanding Scope of SCO

Moving beyond its traditional areas of cooperation straddling geoeconomics and security, the SCO summit focused on initiating and expanding cooperation in emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence, innovation and start-ups. In a joint declaration, the SCO countries decided to implement a roadmap for joint AI cooperation and development, which will include the security and accountability of AI for the benefits of humanity. Under India’s presidency in 2023, new areas of cooperation were introduced, including start-ups and innovation, traditional medicine, youth empowerment, digital inclusion, and our shared Buddhist heritage. At the Tianjin summit, PM Modi proposed to take SCO beyond governments and unveiled a pioneering idea to strengthen people-to-people ties – the creation of a Civilizational Dialogue Forum under the SCO. This platform, according to PM Modi, will allow SCO member states to share the richness of ancient civilizations, art, literature, and traditions on a global stage. In the days to come, the SCO countries should join hands to bring this novel idea to fruition.

The Road Ahead

The SCO summit in Tianjin has provided a fresh momentum to the shared goal of accelerating reform of global governance architecture and bringing together countries of the Global South to shape an inclusive world order against the backdrop of rising unilateralism and trade protectionism. The Tianjin Declaration underlined the need for building a new type of international relations and called for creating a community of shared future for mankind and developing dialogue on the idea of “One Earth. One Family. One Future.” The idea of “One Earth. One Family. One Future” emanated from the motto of India’s G20 presidency which in turn was inspired by ancient Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family). The Declaration notes “a growing desire to create a more just, equitable and representative multipolar world order that opens up new prospects for the development of states and mutually beneficial international cooperation.” This desire is shared by member states as well as important countries aspiring to join SCO like Türkiye. In his article titled “A Shared Path to Peace and Justice” published in the People’s Daily prior to his trip to China, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized that Türkiye was pursuing peace diplomacy on the Russia-Ukraine and Gaza issues with the overarching goal of establishing a just world. In President Erdoğan’s thinking, shaping a multipolar world order and ‘a just world” are extension of his long-held belief that “the world is bigger than five.” The pursuit of a just and representative world order is an area in which India and Turkiye, despite current phase of frosty ties, can work in multilateral groupings. Turkiye’s potential membership of SCO and BRICS can open new pathways of cooperation in advancing a multipolar world.  

India has a lot to be satisfied about the SCO summit in Tianjin. It was not only a vindication of India’s position on terrorism, but it also consolidated New Delhi’s position as an important player in shaping the future of the Eurasian grouping. In his remarks at the SCO summit, Prime Minister Modi crystallised India’s vision and policy towards the SCO: S – Security; C – Connectivity; O – Opportunity. On all these fronts, the key outcomes of the Tianjin summit supported India’s broader foreign policy and strategic objectives. India also sought to push the envelope of the SCO by proposing cooperation in areas such as digital public infrastructure, renewable energy, innovation, and start-ups.

Amid shifting geopolitical fault lines, India will continue to strengthen its engagement with the Quad as well as SCO as both groupings are important for attaining its larger strategic objectives. India will leverage the Quad for shaping an inclusive Indo-Pacific and at the same time harness the SCO to forge an integrated Eurasia in which it has important geostrategic and geoeconomic stakes. Going forward, multipolarity and multi-alignment will be the twin mantra that will animate India’s foreign policy and strategic outreach.   

–           The author visited Tianjin for the SCO summit.