Shanghai Cooperation Organization: A Visible Tilt in Favor of Pakistan

The recently concluded Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defense Ministers’ Meeting in Qingdao, China, ended without a joint declaration — an uncommon outcome for a forum built on consensus and regional cooperation. Sources suggest that India’s objection to parts of the final statement, reportedly due to content seen as favorable to Pakistan’s regional stance, led to the deadlock.
While the formal conclusion of the meeting may appear indecisive, the diplomatic undercurrents tell a different story — one that reveals a quiet but unmistakable tilt in favor of Pakistan. Islamabad’s increasing engagement, geostrategic relevance, and global credibility — especially in contrast to India’s recent aggressive posturing — are being recognized within this Eurasian bloc and beyond.

SCO: A Stage for Regional Shifts
Comprising China, Russia, Pakistan, India, and the Central Asian republics, the SCO is tasked with fostering regional security, counterterrorism cooperation, and economic connectivity. However, internal tensions — especially between India and Pakistan — often cloud collective outcomes.
In Qingdao, the failure to adopt a joint communiqué is widely seen as a reflection of Pakistan’s growing weight in the regional narrative. This event follows a recent series of developments that have globally strengthened Pakistan’s diplomatic position — most notably after India’s attempts to isolate Pakistan backfired.

The Phalgam Attack: A Narrative Rejected
The Phalgam attack, which India hastily blamed on Pakistan without presenting credible evidence, was not met with the global solidarity New Delhi may have hoped for. Instead, international actors, including major powers and multilateral platforms, refrained from endorsing India’s narrative. Many called for restraint and an investigation based on facts — not rhetoric.
Even the uncalled-for aggressive statements and symbolic strikes aimed at Pakistan were met with diplomatic criticism. Countries including China, and even segments of the European and Gulf diplomatic communities, urged calm and balance. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and independent observers voiced concern over the premature attribution of blame, while also condemning India’s overreach.
This marked a clear departure from the past, where such claims often went unchallenged. The shift in tone signals that the world is no longer willing to accept politicized accusations at face value, especially against Pakistan.

Economic Endurance: A Vote of Confidence
Perhaps the most compelling indicator of Pakistan’s rising credibility came not from the corridors of diplomacy but from global financial institutions.
Even during the military escalation, Pakistan successfully secured:

A crucial IMF loan installment, reflecting confidence in its economic governance and reform trajectory.

Approval from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for development loans — a striking show of support in the midst of geopolitical tensions.

Continued inflow of bilateral and multilateral assistance, particularly from Gulf allies and China, who reaffirmed their commitment to Pakistan’s long-term stability.

Such backing during heightened tensions speaks volumes. It rebuffs the “isolated state” narrative often pushed by adversaries and instead paints a picture of Pakistan as a resilient, responsible state actor — capable of managing its affairs even under pressure.

A Regional Realignment: Pakistan Ascending

Pakistan’s strengthened position within the SCO is built on several long-standing strategic advantages:

• Geo-economic Centrality: With the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) anchoring China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Pakistan sits at the heart of regional trade and connectivity ambitions.
• Post-U.S. Afghanistan Diplomacy: Pakistan has emerged as a regional stabilizer, advocating for pragmatic engagement with Kabul and focusing on border security, trade, and counterterrorism.
• Russia’s Soft Pivot: Disillusioned with India’s deepening ties to the U.S. and QUAD, Russia has begun expanding defense and diplomatic relations with Pakistan, appreciating Islamabad’s role in regional stability.
• Effective SCO Participation: Pakistan remains an active and constructive SCO member, participating in joint military drills, multilateral dialogues, and counter-terrorism frameworks — gaining recognition for its pragmatic and professional engagement.

India’s Diplomatic Misfires Within SCO
India’s increasing dissonance with SCO principles — particularly on mutual cooperation and regional de-escalation — has often led to it walking out of exercises or blocking consensus documents. At Qingdao, India’s resistance reportedly stemmed from Pakistan-favored clauses on joint security cooperation and anti-terror collaboration.
But this strategy seems to be backfiring, allowing Pakistan to step into a more central role within the forum. Instead of isolating Islamabad, India’s repeated resistance is inadvertently reinforcing Pakistan’s relevance as a constructive player — especially in the eyes of China, Russia, and the Central Asian republics.

Conclusion: A Strategic Shift, Not Just a Statement
While the SCO Defense Ministers’ meeting in Qingdao ended without a joint declaration, the deeper takeaway is clear: Pakistan’s diplomatic and strategic posture is being vindicated. Whether in response to India’s narrative warfare, regional economic needs, or Eurasian stability goals, the bloc is leaning toward Islamabad — not away from it.
From rebuffing politicized attacks to securing multilateral financial support during conflict, Pakistan has emerged not as an isolated nation but as a rising regional pivot — credible, composed, and increasingly central to the Eurasian equation.