Saudi Arabia Becomes Shanghai Cooperation Organization Dialogue Partner
Saudi Arabia has become the latest country to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as a dialogue partner at the organization’s 18th summit held in Qingdao, China. The SCO is a Eurasian political, economic, and military organization which was founded in 2001 in Shanghai by the leaders of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan were granted full membership to the organization in 2017.
Why this News is Important?
This news is important for students preparing for civil service exams, as it highlights the increasing geopolitical importance of the SCO in world affairs, especially in the context of India’s strategic interests in Central Asia and the Middle East. It also highlights the growing diplomatic outreach of Saudi Arabia in the region and its efforts to diversify its foreign policy beyond its traditional alliances with the United States and the West.
Saudi Arabia’s entry into the SCO as a dialogue partner has several implications for India’s foreign policy. Firstly, it opens up new avenues for India to engage with the Gulf countries and the Arab world, as Saudi Arabia is a leading power in the region. Secondly, it provides India with greater access to Central Asian markets and resources, as well as opportunities for cooperation on counter-terrorism, energy security, and infrastructure development. Thirdly, it strengthens India’s strategic position vis-à-vis China and Russia, who are the dominant powers in the SCO, by providing it with a forum to raise its concerns and interests.
Historical Context:
The SCO was established in 2001 to promote regional cooperation and stability in Central Asia and to counter terrorism, extremism, and separatism in the region. Over the years, the organization has expanded its scope to include economic cooperation, energy security, and cultural exchanges. In 2017, India and Pakistan were granted full membership to the organization, which expanded its membership to eight countries, representing over 40% of the world’s population and more than 20% of its GDP.
Saudi Arabia’s entry into the SCO as a dialogue partner is a significant development, as it marks the first time that a Middle Eastern country has joined the organization. It also reflects the growing strategic convergence between China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia on issues of regional security and economic development. For Saudi Arabia, joining the SCO provides an opportunity to enhance its regional influence, diversify its foreign policy, and reduce its dependence on the United States and the West.
Key Takeaways from “Saudi Arabia Becomes Shanghai Cooperation Organization Dialogue Partner”:
| Serial No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Saudi Arabia has become a dialogue partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). |
| 2 | The SCO is a Eurasian political, economic, and military organization founded in 2001 by China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. |
| 3 | India and Pakistan were granted full membership to the SCO in 2017. |
| 4 | Saudi Arabia’s entry into the SCO as a dialogue partner marks the first time a Middle Eastern country has joined the organization. |
| 5 | The entry of Saudi Arabia into the SCO reflects the growing strategic convergence between China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia on issues of regional security and economic development. |
Important FAQs for Students from this News
Q1. What is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)?
A. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a Eurasian political, economic, and military organization founded in 2001 by China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
Q2. When did India and Pakistan become members of the SCO?
A. India and Pakistan were granted full membership to the SCO in 2017.
Q3. What is the significance of Saudi Arabia becoming a dialogue partner of the SCO?
A. Saudi Arabia becoming a dialogue partner of the SCO highlights the growing strategic convergence between China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia on issues of regional security and economic development.
Q4. How does Saudi Arabia’s entry into the SCO impact India’s foreign policy?
A. Saudi Arabia’s entry into the SCO as a dialogue partner provides India with new opportunities for engagement with the Arab world, greater access to Central Asian markets and resources, and strengthens India’s strategic position vis-à-vis China and Russia.
Q5. What are some of the areas of cooperation between the SCO and its members?
A. The areas of cooperation between the SCO and its members include counter-terrorism, energy security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchanges.
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