The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a political, economic, and military alliance comprising eight member states, including China, Russia, and Kazakhstan. India and Pakistan became full members of the SCO in 2017.

India's membership in the SCO offers several advantages for the country, including:

Economic Benefits

Increased trade and investment opportunities: As a member of the SCO, India has access to a large market of over 3 billion people, with a combined GDP of $17 trillion. This presents a significant opportunity for India to increase trade and investment with other member states.

Access to energy resources: The SCO member states are rich in energy resources. India's membership in the organization provides access to these resources, which is crucial for the country's economic growth.

Infrastructure development: The SCO's regional economic cooperation initiative focuses on infrastructure development, including transportation, energy, and telecommunications. India's membership in the organization allows the country to participate in these projects, which can help to improve infrastructure in India.

Political Benefits

Regional stability: The SCO is committed to promoting regional stability and security. India's membership in the organization provides it with a platform to address regional security concerns, such as terrorism and extremism.

Countering terrorism: The SCO has a counter-terrorism mechanism in place, and India's membership in the organization allows it to participate in efforts to combat terrorism in the region.

Diplomatic leverage: As a member of the SCO, India has a seat at the table for discussions on regional and international issues. This gives India more diplomatic leverage on the global stage.

Strategic partnership: India's membership in the SCO provides the country with an opportunity to develop a strategic partnership with China and Russia, which are both influential members of the organization.

Improving relations with Pakistan: India and Pakistan's membership in the SCO provides an opportunity to improve relations between the two countries, as they are both members of the organization.

Security Benefits

Military cooperation: The SCO has a military cooperation mechanism in place, and India's membership in the organization provides it with an opportunity to participate in military exercises and training with other member states.

Defence Industry Cooperation: The SCO has a defence industry cooperation mechanism in place, and India's membership in the organization provides it with an opportunity to participate in defence industry projects with other member states.

Overall, India's membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation offers a range of economic, political, and security benefits for the country. The organization provides India with access to a large market, energy resources, infrastructure development opportunities, and a platform to address regional security concerns. Additionally, it allows India to develop a strategic partnership with China and Russia and improve relations with Pakistan.