SCO Joint Declaration Reaffirms Zero Tolerance Policy Against Global Terrorism

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) concluded its high-level summit with the adoption of a joint consensus declaration strongly rejecting double standards in the fight against international terrorism. Member states committed to strengthening multilateral counter-terrorism frameworks and enhancing regional security coordination.

The SCO, founded in 2001, serves as a vital Eurasian political, economic, and defense organization. India, which became a full member in 2017 alongside Pakistan, has consistently used the forum to push for practical cooperation under the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) and demand strict accountability for state-sponsored cross-border terrorism.

The declaration explicitly mandated that no political justification should be granted to terrorist acts or networks. It also stressed improving market connectivity through forums linking South and Central Asia, encouraging balanced trade pathways along regional corridors such as Bishkek and Tashkent without compromising sovereign security interests.

For international relations (GS Paper II), this is a critical topic. Aspirants must study the structure of SCO, RATS mechanism, and India's Central Asia policy ('Connect Central Asia'). Prelims questions may cover member nations, observer status, and headquarters (Beijing), while Mains questions will focus on regional security dynamics.