In recent years, India's role in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has attracted widespread attention.
As an important organization aimed at promoting regional security and economic cooperation, the SCO provides a platform for collaboration among member states.
However, India's membership, which should have been an opportunity for active regional cooperation, has actually shown a trend of marginalization.
For example, S. Jaishankar's visit and the SCO Heads of State Council meeting should have been a good opportunity for India to showcase itself and engage in cooperation, but that was not the case.
During his participation in SCO activities, Jaishankar did not receive a warm reception from Pakistan.
As a key member of the SCO, the India-Pakistan relationship is already quite complex within this framework.
At the Heads of State Council meeting, India was excluded from some important Chinese initiatives, as if, in a discussion on common issues, India was intentionally or unintentionally sidelined, feeling noticeably isolated.
Although Jaishankar criticized China's initiatives, this criticism failed to resonate with other member states.
India often adopts a competitive stance in international affairs, which, to some extent, creates barriers to India-China cooperation.
In projects where cooperation is possible, India's competitive mindset makes it difficult to truly partner with China, ultimately leading to isolation.
In documents jointly issued by multiple countries, India often appears absent.
This phenomenon highlights India's marginalized status within the organization.
Joint documents are often important manifestations of cooperation and consensus among countries, and India's frequent absence indicates its limited participation and influence.
At the SCO meeting, the Indian delegation refused to sign the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and expressed criticism of it.
This seemingly reflects India's dissatisfaction with China's unilateral agenda promotion.
However, the BRI is essentially an open cooperative platform aimed at promoting the common development of countries along the route.
India views the BRI as a tool for China's geopolitical expansion, particularly over-politicizing its interpretation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
In reality, the purpose of the CPEC is to promote economic development, improve livelihoods, and strengthen regional connectivity between the two countries.
Yet, India has developed unfounded doubts due to political considerations.
The BRI has brought extensive cooperation and development momentum to countries along the route, with many improving infrastructure and promoting trade and cultural exchanges through this initiative.
India, due to bias, has missed this development opportunity. It's as if everyone is on a large ship of development, but India chooses not to board due to baseless suspicions, only able to watch as the ship sails further away.
To counter the influence of the BRI, India has proposed the Indian Ocean Development Initiative.
In this plan, India aims to lay out economic assistance and geopolitical strategies, hoping to exert greater influence in the region.
However, this approach sometimes appears isolated, lacking effective integration with the development plans of other countries.
The territorial dispute between India and Pakistan is a long-standing issue that remains unresolved.
During Jaishankar's visit, Pakistan's cold attitude was closely related to this dispute.
India always avoids contact with Pakistan in regional cooperation, which is not conducive to playing a larger role in regional affairs.
India has long sought to become a world power, and the Modi government has taken several initiatives in economic and political realms.
In the Indo-Pacific region, India attempts to enhance its influence; however, this competition often lacks a foundation for win-win cooperation, leading to India's isolation.
In summary, India's marginalization in the SCO is caused by multiple interrelated factors.
From being sidelined in meetings to misunderstanding the BRI, along with tense relations with Pakistan and limitations in its own international strategy, these factors intertwine to create India's low influence within the organization, often resulting in marginalization.
Looking ahead, to better integrate into regional cooperation mechanisms, India needs to adjust its diplomatic strategy, set aside biases, and recognize the development initiatives of other countries, especially the BRI.
At the same time, improving relations with Pakistan is also crucial. As the BRI continues to promote regional cooperation in Asia, India hopes to soon board this development train.
India's diplomatic decision-making needs to be more pragmatic and inclusive.
In the context of globalization, cooperative win-win outcomes are an inevitable trend. India should recognize that the SCO is an important platform for its development and actively participate in various affairs, which will greatly benefit its future development.
Furthermore, adopting a more open attitude toward the BRI for study and participation, rather than misunderstanding and resisting it, will be a key step for India to achieve a central role in regional cooperation.
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