On July 4, India hosted the 2023 SCO Summit virtually, which was a significant turning point for the organization. The summit, with the theme “Towards a SECURE SCO,” concentrated on security, cooperation, and shared obligations among member countries. It demonstrated the SCO’s opportunities and difficulties in realizing its potential as a potent economic and geopolitical bloc.

The SCO has consistently sought to bring Eurasian nations together to foster regional development through cooperative efforts. It was a historic move to welcome Iran as the organization’s ninth member in 2023, expanding the SCO’s strategic reach and giving it a new sphere of influence.

The SCO’s desire to increase its influence in Eurasia is further highlighted by discussions surrounding Belarus’ potential membership. With each new member, the SCO expands into a strong bloc with a significant geographic and demographic footprint, accounting for more than 20% of the global GDP and roughly 40% of the world’s population. This puts the group in a position to become one of the most significant geopolitical actors on the planet.

The 2023 Summit highlighted cooperation and growth, but it also highlighted significant internal issues the SCO is currently facing. Following the summit, the New Delhi Declaration emphasized group efforts against terrorism, separatism, and extremism, with member states pledging to take preventative measures. Due to internal geopolitics within the SCO, India withheld its full support for a section of the declaration about China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This decision was made in response to concerns about the debt loads that BRI projects place on neighboring countries as well as disagreements over the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor’s route through Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Internal disputes must be settled amicably if the SCO is to reach its full potential. The success of multilateral organizations depends on fostering an environment that makes settling regional disputes simpler. The SCO wants to enhance economic cross-border currency settlements. The member states acknowledge the need to take action in the face of global issues like the COVID-19 pandemic, the digital divide, unstable supply chains, trade restrictions, the effects of climate change, and trade barriers. These tactics seek to encourage fair international cooperation, reduce economic inequalities, and guarantee long-term regional development.

Constructing Collaboration in the Face of Common Challenges Extreme nationalism, poverty, disease, and terrorism have no regard for national boundaries. Greater bilateral and multilateral cooperation among SCO member states is necessary to address these common challenges.

The 2023 Summit adopted two joint statements proposed by India to combat radicalization and advance digital transformation, and it introduced five new pillars for cooperation to facilitate practical collaboration and connectivity. These programs can encourage cooperation instead of competition when tackling common problems.

To combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism, the SCO member states outlined preventative measures. These actions include obstructing terrorist financing channels, reducing recruitment efforts, removing terrorist safe havens, fending off youth radicalization, and limiting terrorist cross-border movement. India had a crucial opportunity to interact with China, Russia, and Iran at the SCO Summit, demonstrating its strategic independence from the Western bloc. The significance of the SCO has increased due to the rising power of China and Russia in a more divisive world. The SCO’s actions have a big impact on the world because of their huge demographic and economic potential.

Member countries must address current problems, settle bilateral disagreements, and commit to collaborative action to fully realize this potential. The development of the organization can be hampered by conflicts and a reluctance to have productive conversations. It is crucial to keep in mind that the SCO’s main goal is to strengthen regional cooperation and unity rather than fuel competition.

The 2023 SCO Summit was a turning point in the organization’s development, showcasing both its successes and difficulties. The SCO has the potential to spur Eurasian growth and exert a significant influence on international affairs as it expands its membership and fortifies regional ties. However, to fully realize this potential, it is necessary to resolve internal conflicts, promote teamwork, and put a priority on common objectives and shared prosperity. The SCO has the potential to be a significant driver of progress on a regional and international scale if it upholds its commitment to handling national disputes within bilateral frameworks.