Iran becomes a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

During the virtual meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Prime Minister Modi welcomed Iran as its newest member.
For years, Iran’s membership has been debated, and recent geopolitical events have made it more relevant.

The SCO, founded in 2001, aspires to strengthen regional cooperation in Central Asia in battling terrorism, separatism, and extremism.
SCO Expansion Previous membership: China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and the Central Asian republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan were all members of the SCO.
Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia have Observer status, while Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, Nepal, Turkey, and Sri Lanka have Dialogue Partner status.

Context of the nuclear deal: Following the signing of the nuclear deal (JCPOA) in 2015, Iran’s path to SCO membership was facilitated.
The changing geopolitical landscape has created prospects for growing Chinese influence in the region as a result of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Iran has moved to strengthen connections with countries other than its traditional ally Russia, including reaching out to Saudi Arabia and building a border market with Pakistan.

China’s interests: Iran’s energy resources and cooperation in areas such as oil are advantageous to China as it strives to counteract the US.
Russia’s alliances: Russia seeks to bolster its standing inside the SCO by forging ties, including full membership for Belarus.
Relations between the United States and India: The expanding alliance between India and the United States, as well as their shared democratic values, contrast with Chinese authoritarianism, providing a difficult balancing act for India.

Partnerships are being maintained: India has improved ties with the United States through large technology and defence agreements, emphasising common democratic values.
Historical links with Iran: India has long had commercial ties with Iran, notably through crude oil imports.
Balancing problems: As the dynamics of the SCO evolve, India’s shifting relationships with the US and historical connections with Iran provide challenges.

Iran’s admission to the SCO reflects the region’s changing geopolitical landscape and the growing influence of China and Russia.
India must balance its partnerships with the US and historical ties with Iran while managing the SCO’s shifting dynamics.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/iran-full-sco-member-narendra-modi-best-wishes-ebrahim-raisi-101688462815683.html