EAM Dr. Jaishankar addresses SCO Council of Heads of Government; Highlights Key Points

External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr Jaishankar addressed the 22nd session of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) today in Bishkek, where he emphasized several significant points.

Addressed the 22nd session of the Council of Heads of Government of SCO at Bishkek today.

Highlighted that:

1️⃣ India shares deep civilizational ties with the people of this region. The continuous movement of goods, ideas and people traversing the region has left indelible… pic.twitter.com/M62PjOdYK6

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 26, 2023

During the address, the EAM highlighted:

1. Deep Civilizational Ties: EAM Dr Jaishankar noted India’s profound historical connections with the SCO region, rooted in centuries of cultural exchanges. He stressed that these historical relationships should serve as a foundation for enhanced economic cooperation among member states.
2. Promoting Stability and Prosperity: EAM urged the SCO to work collectively to promote stability and prosperity in the region, emphasizing adherence to international law, respect for sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He also highlighted the centrality of the interests of Central Asian states and India’s willingness to collaborate for mutually beneficial solutions.
3. Robust Trade Growth: India is among the world’s top 10 exporters by value, and EAM pointed out the robust growth in trade between India and SCO member states, especially with Russia. The trade has increased by 20% over the past year, reaching approximately US$170 billion. Dr. Jaishankar emphasized the potential for further growth and the need to ensure equitable competition and consumer protection in cross-border e-commerce.
4. Enhancing Connectivity: EAM stressed the importance of robust connectivity and infrastructure development for improved intra-regional trade. He underscored the significance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations in such initiatives. He also highlighted the potential of initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
5. Focus on New Verticals: During India’s presidency of the SCO, five new areas of cooperation were introduced: Startups and Innovation, Traditional Medicine, Science and Technology, Youth Empowerment, and Shared Buddhist Heritage. EAM Dr. Jaishankar noted the positive response these themes received and highlighted the establishment of a Special Working Group on Startups and Innovation.
6. Digital Transformation: A statement on cooperation in digital transformation was adopted, reflecting the evolving importance of digital technologies. India has also institutionalized the SCO Startup Forum and hosted events on subjects like ‘New and Emerging Fuels’ and ‘Energy Modelling & Forecasting’ during its presidency.Other Engagements:

   EAM Dr. Jaishankar who arrived on a brief visit to the Kyrgyz Republic yesterday called on President Sadyr Zhaparov. Their discussions covered a wide array of cooperation areas, including banking, energy, healthcare, defense, agriculture, and investments.

   During the high-level meet, EAM also conveyed India’s support for the successful Kyrgyz Presidency of the SCO Council of Heads of Government.

   Further, on the sidelines of the visit, EAM Dr. Jaishankar also met his Kyrgyz counterpart FM Zheenbek Kulubaev in Bishkek. They both spoke about strengthening India-Kyrgyz cooperation in the fields of trade and economy, development projects, health and education, while also exchanged views on Afghanistan, West Asia and connectivity.