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September 5, 2023The SCO’s Expansion Through Iran’s Membership
In a significant move aimed at further enhancing its scope and influence, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has extended its membership to accommodate a new entrant. Iran, a long-standing observer of the organisation since 2005, has now crossed a significant threshold by officially becoming the ninth full member of the SCO. The expansion of membership is not limited to Iran alone. Another country making headway in this direction is Belarus, which is diligently progressing towards becoming a member of the SCO. The anticipated culmination of Belarus’ membership process is slated for the year 2024, marking yet another milestone in the organisation’s continued growth and influence on the global stage.
The SCO seeks to diminish the singular dominance of the United States and bring an alternate multilateral system against the US-led world order, which is a common phenomenon seen in other Multilateral forums with countries from the Global South. Aiming to foster increased trade accessibility with Central Asian countries, the organisation also strives to curtail the impact of counterterrorism, separatist movements, and extremist activities.
Considering this perspective, Iran’s inclusion in the SCO holds substantial advantages aligned with the organisation’s goal of enhancing trade connections within Central Asia. This is particularly attributed to Iran’s strategic geographical location, as it stands at a junction linking various other SCO member states. The route of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) traverses Iran, further emphasising its pivotal role in facilitating trade and connectivity within the SCO framework.
The key members of the SCO, including Russia, China, and India, gain unique advantages from their relationships with Iran. India values the Chabahar port and INSTC corridor for trade, seeking an alternative route to Central Asia because of its geopolitical divergences and border skirmishes with Pakistan. Russia aims to increase its sway in Iran, countering US influence, and relies on Iran for arms in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. China invests heavily in Iran, using its expanding presence in West Asia to bolster economic and geopolitical interests through the Iranian connection.
Becoming a member of the SCO is a significant achievement for Iran, especially considering the challenges it currently faces. The USA’s exit from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) has intensified pressure on Iran, resulting in severe economic sanctions. Becoming a member of the SCO enhances Iran’s credibility and visibility on the global stage. Consequently, Tehran is redirecting its focus towards the East to attain its economic and strategic goals of connectivity, investment, and energy by deepening its relations with emerging powers Russia, China, and India.
As one of the leading oil producers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Iran has the opportunity to actively participate in energy discussions within the SCO. This not only has the potential to boost Iran’s trade and stimulate its economic growth but also facilitates increased connections with the Central Asian Republics (CARs). These countries could serve as valuable markets for Iranian goods, opening up new avenues for exports.
SCO’s main challenge will be tackling Iran’s perception of the grouping solely as anti-US, which motivated them to join the group. Members like India and Pakistan maintain strong ties with the US. Even Russia and China, while not directly confronting the US, haven’t openly contested its influence. The SCO’s goal of curbing terrorism and extremism might seem conflicting given the involvement of members like Iran and Pakistan, both of which are linked to instances of terrorism. This raises valid concerns about the SCO’s significance and purpose.
Views expressed by the author are personal and need not reflect or represent the views of Centre for Public Policy Research.
Neelima completed her Post Graduation in MA Geopolitics and International Relations from Manipal Academy of Higher Education. While pursuing her masters she has done her 3 months Internship from the Middle East Institute, New Delhi. After completion of the course she worked for 2 months as IR project Intern at Centre for Public Policy Research, Kochi. She is passionate about research and writing in the field of International Relations. Her Interest areas include West Asia, Indo-pacific, Multilateralism, Global and National Security.
