SCO Defence Ministers Meet 2023 – India’s agenda

India’s points of agenda in the meeting:

India adopted the theme 'SECURE-SCO' emphasizing its commitment to the SCO's objectives of promoting multilateralism, economic integration, security collaboration, political cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges within the region. India through engagements with the SCO has worked towards strengthening its relations with countries in the region, especially those with whom it shares deep historical or civilizational ties. This rationale makes Central Asian nations part of India’s extended neighborhood in its foreign policy.

Shri Rajnath Singh, the Defence Minister of India, held bilateral meetings with the Defence Ministers of other participating countries on the sidelines of the main event. This provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions on various bilateral and regional security issues, fostering greater cooperation and understanding among the SCO member states [1]. During its current Chairmanship, India hosted two defense-related events aimed at promoting interoperability among member states of the SCO. The first event was a workshop focused on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, while the second event was a seminar specifically for defense and security think tanks from SCO member countries. The seminar focused on the topic of the Armed Forces' contributions to medicine, healthcare, and pandemics, with the aim of fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among member states in these critical domains [2].

India's active involvement in the SCO and its bilateral engagements with other member states demonstrated its dedication and willingness to hold a leadership role in enhancing regional peace, stability, and security. By participating in these high-level meetings, India aimed to contribute to the collective efforts in countering terrorism, promoting regional security, and fostering an environment of effective multilateralism within the SCO framework.

Agenda of terrorism:

In the meeting, Rajnath Singh urged the member states of the SCO to take the objective of eradicating terrorism and holding its supporters accountable as a collective aim. He further emphasized that any form of terrorist activity or support for it constitutes a grave offense against humanity.

It was widely covered that this remark was meant to be for Pakistan reminding it and other member states that the larger agenda of countering and eradicating radicalization and terrorist activities cannot be achieved if one of the member states is itself involved in fuelling cross-border terrorism. Rajnath Singh's comments were made days after the terrorist attack in Poonch, where five soldiers of the Indian Army lost their lives. The responsibility for the attack was claimed by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a terror group backed by Pakistan. Here, it should be noted that the Defense Minister of Pakistan Khawaja Asif was invited to the SCO meeting but did not turn up and his absence was compensated by the Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on Defense Malik Ahmed Khan, who participated in the meeting through video conference [3].

Rajnath Singh stated that when a country provides shelter to terrorists, it not only endangers other nations but also puts itself at risk. He emphasized that the radicalization of young people is a matter of concern not only for security reasons but also because it hinders the socio-economic progress of society. He further expressed that if the SCO seeks to become a stronger and more reputable international organization then combating terrorism and ensuring peace should be its highest priority.

India-China agenda during bilateral discussions:

In a separate statement regarding the bilateral discussions between Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu and Indian Minister Rajnath Singh, China emphasized that the two countries share more common interests than differences. It emphasized the importance of taking a long-term perspective, placing the border issue within the appropriate context of bilateral relations, and working towards the normalization of border management [4]. Furthermore, Li expressed China's desire to strengthen strategic mutual trust, enhance cooperation in combating terrorism, and broaden the scope and mechanism for collaboration and cooperation. This, according to Li, would contribute to peace and stability at both the global and regional levels [5]. The statement from the Chinese counterpart also emphasized the commitment to work with other member states in establishing a balanced, effective, and sustainable security architecture.

Similarly, Rajnath Singh's statement emphasized the necessity of resolving all issues at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in accordance with existing bilateral agreements and commitments. India has consistently maintained that normalizing its relationship with China is contingent upon achieving peace in the border areas. Furthermore, Rajnath Singh reiterated that the violation of established agreements has undermined the foundation of bilateral relations highlighting that disengagement at the border must logically be followed by a process of de-escalation [6]. 

The meeting between the defense ministers of India and China took place shortly after the 18th round of military talks between their respective armies, specifically aimed at resolving the border dispute. During the Corps Commander talks on April 23, both sides agreed to maintain close communication and strive to find a mutually acceptable resolution to the remaining issues in eastern Ladakh at the earliest possible time.

Minister Rajnath Singh, while addressing the gathering, articulated India's strong conviction in establishing a robust framework of regional cooperation that encompasses the principles of mutual respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states. He emphasized the significance of addressing the legitimate interests of each member state to foster an environment of trust and cooperation within the SCO. He stated that India is committed to further strengthening this cooperation and believes in upholding peace and security based on the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.

SECURE:

Minister Rajnath Singh also elaborated on the concept of SECURE, which was introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the SCO summit in Qingdao, China, in 2018 [7]. The acronym 'SECURE' represents a comprehensive approach toward promoting the multi-dimensional welfare of the region. Minster Rajnath Singh further explained that each alphabet of the word 'SECURE' reflects India's unwavering dedication to specific aspects of regional development [8]. Firstly, 'S' stands for Security of citizens, highlighting India's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals residing within the SCO region. 'E' represents Economic development for all, underlining India's belief in fostering inclusive growth and prosperity for all member states. 'C' signifies Connecting the region, emphasizing the importance of enhancing connectivity through various means such as infrastructure development and digital connectivity. The letter 'U' stands for Uniting the people, reflecting India's aspiration to promote people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation among the SCO member states. 'R' represents Respect for Sovereignty and Integrity, underscoring India's firm adherence to the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations. Lastly, 'E' stands for Environmental protection, emphasizing the significance of sustainable development and safeguarding the environment for present and future generations.

India-Russia agenda during bilateral discussions:

During the meeting, the defense ministers of India and Russia reached an agreement to bolster their defense partnership, as stated by the Indian government. This significant development arises from concerns within the Indian administration regarding the adverse impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine on India's military supplies sourced from Moscow.

India, widely recognized as the world's largest importer of arms, heavily relies on Russia for its military equipment procurement. Over the years, India has acquired a wide range of defense assets from Russia, and the strategic partnership between the two nations has been crucial for India's defense capabilities and national security. However, the recent conflict in Ukraine has caused disruptions in the supply chain, leading to delays in the delivery of vital Russian spare parts necessary for the maintenance and operational readiness of India's tank and fighter jet fleets. Furthermore, the shipment of Russian air defense systems has also been affected by these disruptions.

In another noteworthy development, Russian Defense Minister Shoigu conveyed a significant message during the SCO meeting. According to reports from the Russian state-owned news agency RIA, Shoigu stated that the Western powers' underlying objective in the Ukrainian conflict is not solely limited to the situation within Ukraine itself. Instead, he claimed that their intentions encompass a strategic defeat of Russia, the creation of a potential threat towards China, and the perpetuation of their own monopoly-like position in global affairs. This statement highlights the geopolitical complexities and underlying motivations surrounding the ongoing conflict and sheds light on the larger regional dynamics at play [9].

Conclusion:

It should be noted that SCO happens to be a successful non-West inter-governmental organization and the statement from the Chinese counterpart for working towards normalizing relations at the LAC for proper governance of the region suggests that China also understands that the strained border relations hinder any attempt towards long-term cooperation with India. Additionally, India and Russia also addressed their age-old defense partnerships which have taken severe setbacks ever since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Further, India with its remarks on terrorism showcased that as a responsible member of the SCO, it cannot tolerate a member state itself i.e., Pakistan being involved in cross-border terrorist activities.

The meeting was successful for India in the sense that it was able to posture itself in a leadership role in the SCO actively working towards more robust bilateral relations with the member states as well as participation in the SCO. Through such posturing, India can extend its sphere of influence to Central Asian nations citing historical ties, as well as cooperate with other major powers i.e., Russia and China on a common platform.

Endnotes:

1.       PIB, India to host SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting on April 28^th, Press Information Bureau, 25 April 2023 https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1919567

2.     PIB, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh to chair Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting, Press Information Bureau, 26 April 2023 https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1920060

3.      Amrita Nayak Dutta, Pak listening, Rajnath to SCO: End terror, fix accoundatbility, Indian Express, 29 April 2023 https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajnath-singh-sco-defence-ministers-meeting-pakistan-8580418/

4.     Dinakar Peri, Need to root out terrorism collectively and fix accountability on its supporters: Rajnath tells SCO members states, The Hindu, 28 April 2023 https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rajnath-singh-chairs-sco-defence-ministers-meeting/article66788343.ece

5.     At SCO Defence Ministers; Meeting, Disparate Priorities Evident, The Wire, 29 April 2023 https://thewire.in/diplomacy/at-sco-defence-ministers-meeting-disparate-priorities-evident

6.     India delivers string message to China as defence ministers meet fro first time since Galwan Clash, India Times, Economic Times, 27 April, 2023 https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/india-delivers-strong-message-to-china-as-defence-ministers-meet-for-first-time-since-galwan-clash/articleshow/99824018.cms?from=mdr

7.     PIB, Need to root out terrorism collectively & fix accountability on its supporters: Raksha Mantri to SCO Defence Ministers in New Delhi, Press Information Bureau, 28 April 2023 https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1920488

8.     PIB, Need to root out terrorism collectively & fix accountability on its supporters: Raksha Mantri to SCO Defence Ministers in New Delhi, Press Information Bureau, 28 April 2023 https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1920488

9.     Reuters, India, Russia agree to boost longstanding defence ties, Reuters, 28 April 2023 https://www.reuters.com/world/india-russia-reiterate-commitment-towards-defence-partnership-govt-statement-2023-04-28/

Pic Courtesy-Indian Navy

(The views expressed are those of the author and do not represent views of CESCUBE.)