India’s Growing Disillusionment with the China-Led Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

As the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation marks its 25th summit in Kyrgyzstan, India’s enthusiasm for the China-driven grouping is waning. While the SCO touts goals of stability, connectivity and digitalisation, New Delhi is wary of Beijing’s growing control and the limited utility the forum provides for its own agenda. Since becoming a full member in 2017, India has leveraged the summit for high-level meetings, but the organisation’s expanded roster and its neutral stance on terrorism have prevented New Delhi from isolating Pakistan.

The SCO’s original focus on counter-extremism and Central Asian cooperation no longer aligns with India’s strategic needs, especially as the power gap with China widens. Moreover, the upcoming Pakistani chairmanship adds further complexity to India’s regional calculations. Analysts suggest India should continue using the SCO for bilateral diplomacy while keeping expectations modest, as the forum reflects the prevailing balance of power rather than offering substantive solutions to New Delhi’s challenges.