Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit scheduled for July 3-4, 2024. Instead, India’s delegation will be led by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. This unexpected decision marks a notable departure from the usual presence of India’s head of government at such high-profile international gatherings.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will lead the Indian delegation at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation #SCO Summit in Astana. pic.twitter.com/9msLkuQVes
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) July 2, 2024
Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit: A Major Event Minus Modi
The SCO summit, a key meeting for Eurasian political, economic, and security cooperation, will see various world leaders in attendance. However, PM Modi’s absence is set to change the tone of the discussions.
Why Modi Isn’t Attending
The official reason for PM Modi’s non-attendance is the concurrent parliamentary session in India, highlighting the government’s focus on domestic affairs. This move has sparked widespread speculation and debate among political analysts and international relations experts.
SCO and India’s Role
The SCO, founded in 2001, serves as a platform for member states to collaborate on regional security and economic development. India, a member since 2017, has been closely watched for its engagement and contributions. PM Modi’s decision to skip the summit comes at a time when regional dynamics are especially complex, with geopolitical tensions and alliances constantly shifting.
The SCO, originally established as a regional security alliance, has grown to encompass economic and political cooperation among its member states. However, its expansion and the increasing influence of China and Russia within the organization have led to a shift in focus. This shift has been viewed by some as a move away from Western ideologies and policies, which could potentially isolate member states that have strong ties with Western nations, such as India.
Prime Minister Modi, known for his efforts to maintain a balance between East and West, faces a delicate situation. India’s participation in the SCO and engagement with its members must be navigated carefully to avoid any perception of endorsing an anti-Western agenda. This is particularly important as India seeks to strengthen its strategic and economic ties with countries like the United States and members of the European Union.
Who’s Attending and Why It Matters
The summit will see leaders like China’s Xi Jinping and Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif, making Modi’s absence even more significant. The presence of these leaders highlights the importance of the discussions that will take place. India’s representation by External Affairs Minister Jaishankar is expected to maintain the country’s stance on various issues while potentially opening up new avenues for bilateral talks on the sidelines.
Key Issues at the Summit
Discussions are likely to focus on enhancing trade cooperation, combating terrorism, and addressing regional security concerns. The SCO summit also coincides with the addition of Belarus as a member state, expanding the organization’s reach and influence. This enlargement reflects the SCO’s growing role in shaping the ‘new international order’ as envisioned by its prominent members, China and Russia.
Implications of Modi’s Absence
PM Modi’s absence may be seen as part of India’s broader strategy to balance its traditional alliances with its strategic autonomy. As India navigates its path amid global power shifts, decisions like these indicate a nuanced approach to foreign policy. Modi’s no-show at the SCO could be a message of prioritizing domestic issues over international appearances, a move that underscores the importance of the current parliamentary session in India.
Regional Dynamics and Power Plays
The timing of Modi’s decision is crucial. With regional tensions high and global alliances constantly evolving, India’s choice to send Jaishankar instead of Modi could be seen as a strategic maneuver. This move might reflect India’s intent to play a different game on the geopolitical chessboard, focusing on strengthening internal policies while still maintaining a strong international presence through its capable External Affairs Minister.
As the summit approaches, all eyes will be on Astana. The events unfolding there are likely to have a lasting impact on both the regional and international stage. The outcomes of the SCO summit, even without PM Modi’s physical presence, will be keenly analyzed and discussed.
Conclusion: A Bold Statement on the World Stage
PM Modi’s decision to skip the SCO summit sends a strong message about India’s current priorities. While his absence might shift the dynamics of the discussions, it also highlights India’s focus on balancing domestic responsibilities with international diplomacy. As the world watches, the implications of this move will unfold, shaping the discourse in geopolitical circles and influencing India’s future strategies on the global stage.
