India Strengthens SCO Ties through Multilateral Cooperation and Practical Initiatives

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Embarks on SCO Government Heads Meet in Tajikistan

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to represent India at the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tajikistan's Dushanbe on October 19-20. The meeting aims to strengthen multilateral cooperation among SCO member states, particularly in trade, economy, investment, connectivity, innovation, and cultural-humanitarian exchanges.

The SCO comprises 10 member states, including India, Belarus, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The Organisation has two observer states - Afghanistan and Mongolia - and 15 dialogue partners, including Azerbaijan, Armenia, Egypt, Cambodia, Qatar, Kuwait, Laos, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Sri Lanka.

In September, India highlighted the three pillars of 'Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity' for international trade at the 25th meeting of Ministers of the SCO Member States Responsible for Foreign Economic and Trade Activities held in Tajikistan's Dushanbe. The meeting reviewed ongoing cooperation among SCO member states in economic and trade activities and exchanged views on measures to further deepen trade and economic cooperation within the SCO framework.

India underscored the significant economic potential of the SCO and the importance of translating this potential into tangible outcomes through increased intra-SCO trade, lower trade costs, resilient supply chains, and enhanced connectivity. Referring to the vision articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the SCO Summit in Bishkek, India emphasised the three pillars of Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity, underscoring their economic significance in strengthening supply-chain resilience, developing efficient and trusted connectivity, and expanding opportunities for businesses through greater market access.

India also stressed the need for simplified customs procedures, paperless trade, and electronic exchange of documents, alongside stronger multimodal connectivity and reduced transit times. It called for greater cooperation among SCO Member States to diversify and strengthen supply chains in strategic and emerging sectors, including agriculture, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and electronics. The potential for enhanced cooperation in energy security, renewable energy, and green hydrogen was also highlighted.

The 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government will provide an opportunity for India to exchange views with other SCO Member States on advancing practical and mutually beneficial cooperation within the Organisation. India remains actively engaged in various SCO mechanisms and continues to contribute to regional cooperation through initiatives in areas such as start-ups and innovation, digital public infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges.

The meeting is expected to review the progress of ongoing cooperation initiatives and consider decisions relating to the Organisation's financial and institutional functioning. India aims to advance practical cooperation through initiatives in start-ups, innovation, and people-to-people exchanges, strengthening multilateral cooperation among SCO member states.

The SCO's commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation and advancing practical initiatives in start-ups, innovation, and people-to-people exchanges will have a positive impact on regional cooperation and economic development in the SCO member states.