← All questionsGS2 · 2021 · International Relations ·SCO and India
QUESTION 19
GS2
15 marks

Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India?

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11 min
250 words
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What the examiner wants

Critically examine the SCO's aims and its importance for India.

Critically examineWeigh the strengths and the weaknesses, then give a balanced verdict.

Demand-wise check

  1. 1Aims: security cooperation (terrorism, separatism, extremism), economic and cultural ties; RATS≈50 words
  2. 2For India: Central Asia access, counter-terrorism data, energy, engagement with Russia and China, platform with Pakistan≈50 words
  3. 3Limits: China dominance, India–Pakistan and India–China tensions, India not joining BRI language≈50 words
  4. 4India's 2023 chair: SECURE theme≈50 words

Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.

Answer plan

Origin and aimsCritiqueImportance for IndiaChallengesConclusion

Where marks usually go

  • Only describing SCO without a critical view
  • No India-specific benefits

Draw this

  • Map of SCO members with India's connectivity interests

Value addition

  • FactIndia and Pakistan became full SCO members in 2017; Iran joined in 2023 and Belarus in 2024.SCO Secretariat
  • FactIndia chaired the SCO in 2023 with the theme 'Towards a SECURE SCO' and declined to endorse the BRI paragraph in the joint declaration.MEA

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