Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: Saudi Arabia has approved a memorandum granting the kingdom the status of a dialogue partner in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
What is a dialogue partner?
Dialogue Partners refer to individual sovereign states and not members, but with a special interest and/or capacity to contribute, particularly in the areas of common interest.
- The number of dialogue partners in SCO is 7 (including Saudi Arabia)
| About SCO | Description |
| Formation | Intergovernmental Organization founded in 2001 in Shanghai by China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan |
| Focus | Regional security, fighting terrorism, separatism, and extremism |
| Permanent Bodies | SCO Secretariat in Beijing and Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent |
| Observer Status | Has observer status in the UN General Assembly |
| Current Chair | India |
| India’s Membership | In June 2017 India became a full member (same day as Pakistan) |
| Significance to India | Use it as a forum to counter the influence of China and Pakistan in the region; strengthen ties with Central Asian countries; access to the Eurasian market and resources; manage the negative implications of Taliban in Afghanistan; and counter terrorism-related activities in the region through RATS. |
Learn about “SECURE” SCO here
