The Role of Shanghai Cooperation Organization in the Resolution of Indo-Pak Conflicts: Future Prospects and Recommendations

Abstract

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is one of the most significant regional organizations in the world. The international political order is changing with the convergence of interests of rising China and resurgent Russia due to which the role of SCO in Asia has increased manifold. Both these states are focused on regional integration that would realign the global and regional political environment focused towards East. These two global players can play a productive role via the SCO platform to create readiness for both India and Pakistan in the regional diplomacy for the resolution of conflicts. SCO and its primary members have extensive experience in the resolution of territorial disputes and building confidence, as the initial Shanghai-Five was established to solve border and territory disputes among members. Confidence Building Measures and conflict resolution among India and Pakistan can be achieved by utilizing various diplomatic channels of SCO, these channels will lead to track one and two diplomacies. SCO can be constructive in achieving sustainable peace between India and Pakistan, which would, in turn, lead to a prosperous region. With the inclusion of India and Pakistan as permanent members in SCO, the future looks promising and the Asian Century is on the cards. This article is an attempt to highlight the significance of SCO as a platform for India and Pakistan to attain sustainable peace and perpetual cooperation.