The SCO's Value To India Is Declining
- 29.08.2026, 15:37
Delhi cannot count on a partnership with Moscow.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), once viewed as a platform for strengthening the positions of Russia, China, and other Eurasian countries, is becoming less and less useful for India. The main reason is China’s rapid rise, while Russia’s influence in the region is gradually waning, writes Foreign Policy.
India joined the SCO in 2017, hoping to strengthen ties with Central Asia and use the organization to counter terrorism and counterbalance Pakistan. However, today New Delhi increasingly finds itself in a position where it must balance between China and Russia.
Moscow remains an important partner for India, particularly in the energy and defense sectors. However, Russia’s war against Ukraine and Moscow’s rift with the West have significantly altered its position. “There is no doubt that Russia’s importance in India’s overall strategic calculations has diminished,” the article states.
At the same time, Russia is no longer capable of serving as a full-fledged counterweight to China in Central Asia. Beijing possesses significantly greater economic resources and is gradually strengthening its influence over the former Soviet republics.
This poses a serious problem for India. The SCO is increasingly becoming a platform where China can advance its own foreign policy interests, while Russia and India are forced to take its position into account.
Complications are also arising in New Delhi’s relations with Pakistan. China has traditionally supported Islamabad and does not allow India to use the SCO to isolate it internationally. Moreover, after the next summit, the chairmanship of the organization will pass to Pakistan.
At the same time, India has no intention of leaving the SCO. The organization provides an opportunity to meet with Eurasian leaders and conduct bilateral negotiations. However, expectations for it are becoming much more modest.
“China is increasingly calling the shots at the SCO,” the authors emphasize. India will have to proceed on this basis in its future engagement with the organization, while simultaneously strengthening direct ties with Central Asian countries and developing partnerships with the West.