Can India Challenge China's Dominance in Global South Alliances Like the SCO?

As China continues to expand its influence among Global South nations through strategic alliances such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), India faces mounting challenges in asserting its leadership within this increasingly pivotal geopolitical space. Amidst shifting power dynamics and deepening regional cooperation, questions are emerging about whether India can effectively counterbalance China’s growing dominance and safeguard its own interests. This article explores the complexities surrounding India’s role in Global South-based alliances, focusing on its strategies, obstacles, and the broader implications for regional and global order.

Table of Contents

India’s Strategic Challenges in Countering China’s Influence within the SCO

India faces a multifaceted dilemma in curbing China’s sway within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Despite being a founding member, India’s position is often overshadowed by China’s expansive economic leverage and diplomatic outreach, which sway smaller SCO members toward Beijing’s orbit. The asymmetry in economic dependencies complicates New Delhi’s efforts to propose alternative regional initiatives or counterbalance China’s infrastructure-heavy influence like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Additionally, differing strategic priorities among SCO members create a fragmented response, limiting India’s ability to build cohesive coalitions within the grouping.

Key obstacles in India’s strategic approach include:

Economic disparity: China’s investments dwarf India’s, influencing SCO member states’ loyalty.
Security concerns: Persistent border tensions with China reduce trust and diplomatic leverage.
Divergent political interests: SCO countries often prioritize stability and economic gain over geopolitical rivalry.

Factor	China’s Influence	India’s Position
Trade Volume (Annual)	$120 billion	$45 billion
Infrastructure Investment	High (BRI projects)	Moderate (Regional connectivity)
Military Cooperation	Frequent joint exercises	Selective, focused on counterterrorism

Analyzing the Diplomatic and Economic Levers at Play in Global South Alliances

India’s strategy to counterbalance China’s growing influence within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and other Global South alliances hinges on a deft combination of diplomatic engagement and economic leverage. New Delhi has intensified efforts to deepen bilateral ties with Central Asian states, emphasizing shared interests in security cooperation, infrastructure development, and energy partnerships. By positioning itself as a reliable partner that respects sovereignty and regional stability, India aims to present an alternative model to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which some member countries view with suspicion due to debt sustainability concerns.

Economically, India leverages its vast and diversified market alongside burgeoning digital and technology sectors to attract investments and foster sustainable development partnerships. Key focus areas include:

Infrastructure financing with transparent lending practices
Capacity-building initiatives in healthcare and education
Trade facilitation via regional connectivity projects such as the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)

Below is a comparative overview of select economic indicators highlighting India and China’s footing within the SCO member states:

Indicator

India

China

Trade Volume with SCO (2023)

$45 billion

$120 billion

Major Infrastructure Investments

$7 billion

Comparative Overview of Select Economic Indicators: India vs. China in the SCO (2023)

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Policy Recommendations for India to Strengthen Its Leadership Role in Multilateral Forums

India’s strategic maneuvering within multilateral forums demands a proactive blend of diplomacy, economic leverage, and cultural outreach to outpace China’s growing influence in alliances centered around the Global South, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Strengthening its leadership role requires New Delhi to capitalize on its democratic credentials and regional connectivity by fostering deeper ties with Central Asian and South Asian partners. This involves not just reiterating shared developmental goals but transforming them into tangible cooperation in areas like technology transfer, sustainable infrastructure, and digital economy initiatives.

To reposition itself as a counterbalance within these platforms, India must adopt a multi-pronged approach emphasizing:

Enhanced Diplomatic Engagement: Regular high-level dialogues and backchannel diplomacy to cultivate trust and assert India’s policy priorities.
Economic Incentives: Offering targeted investments and trade opportunities that address local developmental needs better than competing powers.
Strategic Communication: Leveraging soft power narratives around democracy, pluralism, and sustainable development.
Robust Security Cooperation: Expanding intelligence-sharing and joint counterterrorism efforts to ensure regional stability.

Policy Area	Recommendation	Expected Outcome
Diplomacy	Increase engagements through SCO summits and bilateral meetings.	Stronger political alliances and influence.
Economy	Launch development funds focused on infrastructure and tech.	Greater economic dependence and goodwill.
Security	Expand joint military exercises and intelligence-sharing.	Improved regional security cooperation.
Soft Power	Promote cultural exchanges tied to democratic ideals.	Enhanced regional perception and alignment.

To Conclude

As India and China continue to vie for influence within the Global South, the outcome of their strategic contest will significantly shape the future of international alliances such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. While India’s diplomatic engagements and economic initiatives underscore its ambitions to counterbalance China’s leadership, the evolving geopolitical dynamics and mutual interests among member states will ultimately determine the balance of power. Observers will be closely watching whether India can effectively challenge China’s dominant role or whether Beijing will consolidate its position as the principal force driving cooperation in the region.

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