The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, is currently underway. However, recent geopolitical tensions, particularly those between India and Pakistan, have cast a shadow on the spirit of cooperation the SCO aims to foster. One such instance of escalating tensions manifested earlier this year when India's National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval, protested and exited an SCO meeting due to Pakistan's projection of a map that included Indian territories as part of Pakistan.

The incident, though reminiscent of a similar occurrence in 2020, took place against the backdrop of heightened tensions between the two nations. In late April 2025, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, in Indian-administered Kashmir, resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. India accused Pakistan of sponsoring the militants, a charge Pakistan denied. This led to a series of events that further strained relations, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty by India.

In early May, India launched missile strikes in Pakistan, codenamed Operation Sindoor, targeting what it claimed were militant groups. Pakistan retaliated, leading to a brief but intense military conflict. A ceasefire was eventually agreed upon after a few days of fighting.

Against this backdrop, the SCO meeting took place. Doval's objection to Pakistan's map was not merely a procedural matter but a strong statement of India's position on territorial integrity and sovereignty. India has consistently maintained that Pakistan's depiction of Jammu and Kashmir as part of its territory is a violation of international norms and the SCO charter.

Russia, as the chair of the SCO, reportedly tried to persuade Pakistan to refrain from using the map. Following Doval's walkout, Russia conveyed to India that it did not support Pakistan's action and hoped it would not affect India's participation in the SCO. Despite the tensions, Doval attended the 20th Meeting of the SCO Security Council Secretaries in Beijing in June 2025. During this meeting, he called for decisive action against terrorists and for member states to hold accountable those responsible for cross-border terrorism.

The broader implications of the conflict and Doval's actions at the SCO highlight the complex dynamics within the organization. While the SCO aims to promote regional security and cooperation, the long-standing disputes between India and Pakistan continue to pose a challenge. The conflict earlier in the year led to a freeze in bilateral relations, with little prospect of a thaw in the near future.

Despite these challenges, there have been some positive developments. Amidst global uncertainty, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin. This meeting, along with China's efforts to foster dialogue between India and China, signals a potential shift in relations. Furthermore, India and China have agreed to establish an expert group to explore solutions to boundary delimitation, which indicates a willingness to address long-standing disputes.