The imposition of sanctions by Western countries on Russia has conflagrated the Ukrainian crisis with both sides indulging in an asymmetrical sanctions game. The hardening of positions has caused the Russian and the European economies to suffer, with no end in sight for the conflict

India's inclusion as a full-member will lend credibility to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which until now has been dominated by China. However, until the strong differences between member nations are resolved, it will be a while before the SCO can become a multilateral force to be reckoned with