The year 2025 will mark a significant chapter in India’s foreign policy, as the country’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, prepares to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in China. The SCO, a prominent multilateral organization that includes China, Russia, and several Central Asian nations, is an important platform for fostering regional cooperation on security, economic issues, and cultural exchange. For India, the SCO Summit is more than just a diplomatic event—it’s an opportunity to strengthen ties with key neighbors, assert its role as a regional power, and carve out a larger space on the global stage.
As the world continues to grapple with geopolitical shifts and emerging threats, Dr. Jaishankar’s presence at the 2025 SCO Summit is expected to send a strong message regarding India’s strategic priorities, diplomatic engagement, and commitment to regional stability.
India’s Vision for the SCO Summit 2025
The year 2025 will be crucial for India as it navigates both its regional and global foreign policy objectives. With its growing economic clout, expanding strategic alliances, and ever-deepening ties with the world’s largest economies, India is positioning itself as an indispensable actor in global affairs. As External Affairs Minister, Dr. Jaishankar is uniquely suited to convey India’s vision for the future, especially with respect to the SCO’s role in Asia and beyond.
The SCO Summit presents a critical opportunity for India to emphasize its position on key global issues, from regional security to climate change, trade, and connectivity. India’s main priorities will likely revolve around:
- Strengthening Regional Security Cooperation: The SCO has been a vital forum for discussing security challenges in Central Asia, including terrorism, extremism, and organized crime. Dr. Jaishankar’s diplomatic engagement will focus on reinforcing India’s commitment to combating terrorism, particularly in Afghanistan and neighboring areas. With growing concerns over instability in the region, India’s role in fostering security and peace will be pivotal. Furthermore, India is likely to push for more collaborative efforts among SCO members to counter cyber threats, which are rapidly emerging as a global concern.
- Promoting Connectivity and Infrastructure Development: As a member of the SCO, India has been an advocate for enhanced connectivity within the region, including the development of infrastructure projects that benefit not just South Asia, but Central Asia and beyond. In this regard, Dr. Jaishankar is expected to highlight India’s commitment to building critical infrastructure through projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Chabahar Port project in Iran. These initiatives are designed to create new trade routes, increase regional integration, and improve economic relations between India and its neighbors.
- Economic Growth and Trade Relations: With global trade tensions and shifting supply chains, India’s economic policies will take center stage at the SCO Summit. Dr. Jaishankar’s diplomacy is likely to underscore India’s focus on enhancing economic cooperation within the SCO framework. This will involve encouraging trade, reducing trade barriers, and exploring opportunities for joint ventures in sectors such as energy, technology, and agriculture. India’s growing prowess in sectors like information technology, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy will be key themes in its economic discussions.
- Promoting Sustainable Development: Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century, and India has made significant strides in aligning its policies with global sustainability goals. Dr. Jaishankar will likely advocate for collective action within the SCO to address environmental issues such as climate change, air pollution, and water scarcity. As a leading member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), India has an interest in boosting renewable energy cooperation, and it may push for joint projects aimed at sustainable development in Central Asia and beyond.
- Fostering People-to-People Ties: While the SCO primarily focuses on security and economic cooperation, Dr. Jaishankar may also emphasize the importance of cultural and educational exchanges between member countries. People-to-people connectivity is a vital aspect of diplomacy, and India’s historical, cultural, and educational exchanges with Central Asian nations have deep roots. By supporting initiatives to boost educational collaboration, tourism, and cultural exchanges, India seeks to strengthen its soft power in the region.
Navigating India’s Relationship with China
One of the most important aspects of Dr. Jaishankar’s participation in the SCO Summit 2025 will be India’s evolving relationship with China. As two of the world’s most populous countries, India and China are critical to the future of the SCO, not just for economic reasons but for regional and global stability.
The two countries share a complicated relationship, particularly when it comes to territorial disputes in regions like Ladakh. Despite these challenges, the SCO Summit provides a platform for India to engage in dialogue with China in a multilateral setting, away from the high tensions of bilateral negotiations. Dr. Jaishankar’s diplomatic skills will be key in navigating these complexities, ensuring that India’s interests are safeguarded while maintaining a cooperative stance on regional issues.
India will likely continue to focus on fostering peaceful and constructive engagement with China, especially on issues such as trade, climate change, and security. While disagreements may persist, the SCO’s emphasis on cooperation and dialogue provides a valuable framework for managing differences while seeking common ground.
Strengthening Multilateralism
Dr. Jaishankar has long championed the cause of multilateralism, and the SCO Summit 2025 will offer yet another opportunity for India to reinforce its commitment to a rules-based international order. The multilateral structure of the SCO allows India to voice its concerns on global governance, the reform of international institutions like the United Nations, and the promotion of peaceful resolution of conflicts.
For India, multilateralism is not just a diplomatic strategy but a reflection of its belief in a more inclusive and diverse world order. Dr. Jaishankar’s presence at the SCO Summit will reaffirm India’s role as an advocate for global peace, security, and economic cooperation.
Conclusion: India’s Future at the SCO
The SCO Summit 2025 in China will be a defining moment for India’s foreign policy under Dr. S. Jaishankar’s leadership. India’s priorities at the summit will reflect its broader vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and secure regional environment, one where collaboration across borders takes precedence over confrontation. As India continues to rise as a global power, its engagement with multilateral organizations like the SCO will be central to shaping the future of Asia and the world at large.