By: AISRS Editorial Team
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a regional group that promotes cooperation in politics, security, trade, and cultural exchanges, has become a leading regional block. It was founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Over the years, India, Pakistan, and Iran have also become full members, making the organization a key player in the region. The SCO has so far achieved a lot and has become strategically an important regional organization.
Some key achievements of SCO could be mentioned as following:
Security Cooperation: The SCO has made great progress in fighting terrorism, extremism, and cross-border crime through its Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS). SCO member states regularly share intelligence and conduct joint military exercises which has resulted in boasting security cooperation, fighting against extremism and cross border crimes.
Economic Collaboration: The SCO promotes trade and infrastructure development, often in partnership with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This cooperation supports regional trade routes, energy pipelines, and financial exchanges.
In 2001 the collective trade value between SCO member states was $667 billion. By 2020, the figure had surged to $6 Trillion, marking a significant increase in two decades. Only China had $245 billion trade with SCO member states by 2020
Diplomatic Platform: The SCO provides a space for dialogue between countries with political differences. It offers an alternative to Western-led institutions by promoting regional cooperation and independence from external influence.
Opportunities for SCO: The SCO has a chance to grow stronger with new members like Iran and the possible inclusion of Afghanistan, boosting its influence in Central and South Asia. It also offers opportunities for more trade, better infrastructure, and energy cooperation by working with groups like the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects.
The opportunities for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) are growing, as more countries in the region are eager to join. With the current global situation, many nations are increasingly interested in being part of regional organizations, as regions, rather than individual states, are driving development and influence. Expanding SCO membership would strengthen its economic and political weight.
However, challenges remain. If key countries with geographical importance, like Afghanistan, remain excluded, it could weaken the organization in the long run. Instability in non-member states near the region could also threaten the SCO’s effectiveness and unity.
Afghanistan, once an observer member of the SCO, had its status suspended following the political changes in 2021. At the time, there were speculations that Afghanistan would descend into chaos, internal conflict, and economic collapse. However, the situation proved otherwise—security and stability have improved, and signs of partial economic recovery have emerged. Afghanistan’s strategic location makes it vital for regional connectivity—it serves as a bridge between South and Central Asia and can also link China, Iran, and the Middle East. Excluding Afghanistan from the SCO limits the organization’s potential for greater regional trade, connectivity, and security cooperation.
In terms of security, Afghanistan’s membership would enhance the SCO’s collective efforts to combat terrorism, extremism, and cross-border threats. For the region to remain stable and secure, including Afghanistan in the SCO is essential. Afghanistan’s integration would also strengthen the organization’s influence in promoting stability across the region.
Given the current situation, the first step should be reactivating Afghanistan’s observer status in the SCO. Formal recognition of Afghanistan’s government could follow later, based on the evolving realities on the ground. Importantly, most regional countries prioritize non-interference in the internal affairs of others, focusing instead on practical cooperation. Considering the political structures of SCO member states, Afghanistan could gradually become a stable and secure country, eventually qualifying for full membership in the SCO.
Regional countries and organizations like the SCO should recognize that side-lining Afghanistan and excluding it from such platforms could push the country in other directions. Afghanistan is at a pivotal stage, facing serious economic challenges, security concerns, and governance issues. It needs support, not isolation. If the region wants to see Afghanistan as a cooperative and stable partner, it is essential to facilitate its membership in organizations like the SCO and even assist the Afghan government in meeting necessary requirements. In the current context, including Afghanistan is a far better strategy than excluding it.
However, with China leading the SCO in 2024-2025, the organization could develop a roadmap for Afghanistan’s gradual membership, starting with observer status and expanding to full participation over time.
Afghanistan’s membership in the SCO would be mutually beneficial both for Afghanistan and the SCO.
For Afghanistan: It would enhance security, boost economic growth, and provide diplomatic recognition.
For the SCO: It would promote regional stability, expand trade networks, and strengthen the bloc’s influence. As the SCO continues to grow, integrating Afghanistan could play a key role in fostering greater stability and cooperation in the region.