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Interview: India, Pakistan joining SCO benefits security, economy in Asia: Indian experts

Xinhua, July 13, 2015 Adjust font size:

Experts in India have spoken highly of the just-concluded Shanghai Cooperation Organization ( SCO) summit in Russia, saying SCO's planned expansion will enable India and Pakistan to play a bigger role in combating terrorism as well as promoting economic development in the region.

The SCO has ratified a resolution on starting its expansion procedures of granting India and Pakistan full membership of the organization, according to a declaration issued after the 15th SCO summit held in Ufa, capital of Russia's Bashkortostan Republic.

Currently, both India and Pakistan are observers of the SCO. Pakistan applied for a full membership in 2006 and India in 2014.

S.K. Gupta, a Delhi-based expert, said in an interview with Xinhua that terrorism is a rising threat to the entire region, and all the countries want to fight it. "Russia and China want India and Pakistan to join their fight against terrorism."

He said, "Both the countries (India and Pakistan) are victims of terrorism and despite bilateral differences, they will unite against terrorism."

NK Chauhan, an expert on international relations, said India and Pakistan are important countries in South Asia, and with their inclusion, the SCO will further show the world its commitment to fight terrorism and promote peace across Asia,

Apart from fighting terrorism, the new members will also be able to help promote trade in Asia by improving transportation and communication networks in the region.

"Trade ties will improve that will help boost the economy of Asia ... If all the member countries work towards easing barriers, trade will flourish in Asia," said Gupta.

Though some feared that bilateral differences between India and Pakistan could become hindrance to SCO's working, the experts disagreed, noting that both countries are matured nations and they know what's good for their economy.

"In fact, Modi had congratulated Pakistan 'on joining the SCO'. It shows the maturity of India, and Pakistan also knows that bilateral differences are bilateral and international cooperation is something different," said Chauhan.

Together with all the countries, the SCO could be a platform for Eurasia to become one of the most dynamic regions in the world. "It seems we are moving towards a more prosperous and secure Asia, " he added.

Founded in 2001, the SCO now has China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as its full members, with Afghanistan, Belarus, India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan as observers, and Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Turkey as dialogue partners. Endi