‘Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO’ In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating the problems.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a Eurasian grouping India joined as a full member in 2017, is meant to promote security and connectivity. But a 'virus of conflict' — bilateral rivalries, terrorism and great-power competition — is corroding its effectiveness.

Sources of the conflict

• India-Pakistan hostility and cross-border terrorism paralyse consensus.
• The India-China boundary standoff and Beijing's dominance strain trust.
• Divergence over connectivity projects like CPEC that ignore sovereignty concerns.

India's role in mitigating the problems

• Counter-terrorism: India uses the SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) to press for zero tolerance, no double standards and action against cross-border terror financing.
• Connectivity with sovereignty: India champions transparent, non-debt-trap connectivity such as the INSTC and Chabahar, opposing projects that violate territorial integrity.
• Norm-setting: PM Modi's SECURE formula (security, economic development, connectivity, unity, sovereignty, environment) offers a constructive agenda.
• Balancing role: as a member outside any bloc, India keeps the platform inclusive and prevents its capture by any single power.
• Development cooperation: it promotes trade, digital public goods, health and cultural ties (e.g., the 2023 India-hosted virtual summit's outcomes).

By separating cooperation from bilateral disputes, India can help the SCO refocus on shared security and prosperity in Eurasia.