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Abstract In June 2001 Shanghai Five was renamed Shanghai Co‐operation Organisation (SCO) after Uzbekistan was admitted as the sixth member. Joint struggle against separatism, extremism and terrorism is its main task. Before September 11, SCO projected the image of a powerful regional grouping wherein two major powers. Russia and China, sought to protect their interests in Central Asia and keep potential rivalry within limits. While India keenly watched the developments in its strategic neighbourhood. Pakistan formally applied for the membership of the Shanghai grouping. China reportedly lobbied Pakistan's case strongly but others—notably Russia and Tajikistan—opposed it. In the wake of the momentous developments in and around Afghanistan following September 11, the SCO is widely seen as not being very effective, but attempts are being made to resuscitate it. USA has registered its military presence in the entire region. The fast changing geopolitical equation in this region of vital strategic importance for India may have, wider and long‐lasting impact on Indian‐interests.
Jyotsna Bakshi (Mon,) studied this question.