"Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO" In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating the problems. (Answer in 150 words)

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation faces strategic distrust from the Russia-West confrontation, India-China tensions, Afghanistan instability and competing regional projects.

India’s role

• Use consensus-oriented diplomacy to keep the SCO focused on counter-terrorism, connectivity, energy and economic cooperation.
• Insist that terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, is addressed without double standards.
• Support the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure, information sharing, drug-control cooperation and humanitarian engagement on Afghanistan.
• Promote secure, sovereign and transparent connectivity while balancing strategic sensitivities around the BRI.
• Advance traditional medicine, start-up, digital and cultural cooperation to build functional trust.

India’s multi-alignment and dialogue with all members can prevent paralysis, though it must combine engagement with firm defence of sovereignty and national security.

international relations, SCO, Eurasia, conflict diplomacy