SCO vs. Quad: Where Does India Really Belong?

Being a member of both the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the Quad is like being friends with two people who absolutely hate each other. It’s a unique position that only India is in. In the SCO, we sit at the table with China, Russia, and Pakistan—talking about counter-terrorism and regional stability. In the Quad, we’re planning naval exercises with the US, Japan, and Australia. Some critics say we’re being greedy. But I think it’s survival. We can’t afford to antagonize Russia because they’ve been a defense partner for 60 years. We can’t afford to antagonize the US because they are the economic powerhouse of the future. The trick is to keep these compartments separate. It’s exhausting for the diplomat, but it keeps India’s options open. Honestly, in today’s world, that’s the only smart way to play.