China, Russia, Iran, and Pakistan held a closed-door meeting this week without India, raising questions about shifting alliances in Asia.
The meeting brought together top security officials from the four countries under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). India, which is a full member of the SCO, was not invited to this particular session.
The SCO is a regional group that includes China, India, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, and several Central Asian countries. While India continues to attend other SCO meetings, this security-focused gathering excluded them entirely.
The timing is significant. The meeting comes as tensions rise in the Middle East and regional conflicts intensify. The four countries that met have recently worked together at the United Nations, pushing for ceasefire resolutions regarding U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
India’s National Security Adviser and Defence Minister are attending separate SCO meetings in China this week. However, they were not part of this closed-door security discussion.
This exclusion highlights growing divisions within the SCO. India has often clashed with Pakistan during SCO meetings, particularly over terrorism issues. The country has also faced ongoing border tensions with China.
The secret meeting suggests these four nations may be coordinating their approach to regional security challenges. Their recent diplomatic cooperation at the UN Security Council shows they share similar positions on Middle East conflicts.
This development reveals how international alliances are becoming more complex. Even within the same organization, member countries are forming smaller groups based on shared interests and strategic goals.
The move could impact regional stability and future cooperation within the SCO framework.
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