In an apparent reference to China, the External Affairs Minister stressed the importance of SCO members collaborating to bolster regional stability and prosperity. He highlighted the necessity of strictly upholding international law, respecting one another's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and fostering economic cooperation.

The Minister's remarks reflect a call for unity and adherence to fundamental principles among SCO member states. They aim to foster an environment that encourages economic collaboration, respects each nation's sovereignty, and upholds international law, ultimately contributing to regional stability and prosperity.

In his address, he emphasized the pivotal role of the interests of Central Asian states in this context. “SCO should work together to promote stability and prosperity in the region by strictly adhering to the principles of international law, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each other, and encouraging economic cooperation.”

China is investing billions of dollars into the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Pakistan. India has expressed objections to these projects in Pakistan due to their passage through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The External Affairs Minister underlined India's profound cultural connections with the people of the SCO region. Currently, the SCO encompasses India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, the Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

“The continuous movement of goods, ideas, and people traversing the region has left indelible imprints on our customs, traditions, language and cuisine. These historical relationships should now create a template for greater economic cooperation,” Jaishankar said “To improve trade within the region, we need robust connectivity and infrastructure. Such initiatives should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries,” he said. “The Global South should not be saddled with unviable debt arising from opaque initiatives,” Jaishankar said, in another jibe at China.

Jaishankar highlighted the potential of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) as drivers of prosperity. The IMEC, considered by many as an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative, was jointly unveiled by the leaders of the US, India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy, and the European Union during the G20 summit in September.

The International North-South Transport Corridor is a 7,200-km network connecting India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, and Europe. The Global South includes developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. China, through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has been a major lender, raising concerns about debt traps and regional influence. The U.S., under the Trump administration, criticized BRI for predatory financing and its impact on smaller nations' sovereignty.

During its SCO presidency, India focused on five new verticals of cooperation: Startups and Innovation, Traditional Medicine, Science and Technology, Youth Empowerment, and Shared Buddhist Heritage, as highlighted in the response received, emphasizing the relevance of the chosen themes.

”We adopted a Statement on Cooperation in Digital Transformation and we have also institutionalized a Special Working Group on Startups and Innovation. India is also hosting SCO Startup Forum on a regular basis,” he said.

Image source: India Today