24th SCO Summit
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India recently participated in the 24th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Astana, Kazakhstan. Apart from this, bilateral meetings were also held with other member countries of the SCO during the event.
Key points of 24th SCO Summit
Belarus joins as 10th member country
Belarus has officially become the 10th member country of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). In this context, the Indian Foreign Minister met his Belarusian counterpart to strengthen bilateral relations.
Adoption of Astana Declaration
The 24th SCO Summit held in Astana, Kazakhstan adopted the Astana Declaration. The summit also approved 25 strategic agreements covering various areas including energy, security, trade, finance and information security.
SCO Development Strategy till 2035
The SCO members adopted the SCO Development Strategy till 2035.
This strategy includes resolutions focused on combating terrorism, separatism and extremism, as well as a counter-drug strategy, energy cooperation, economic development and cooperation in protected areas and ecotourism.
Commitments and Agreements
The summit commitments included signing a memorandum to combat illicit drug trafficking and a dialogue plan on international information security issues.
These agreements reflect the SCO’s comprehensive approach to address regional and global challenges.
Issues to be addressed by India at the 2024 SCO Summit
Global Conflicts and International Relations
Ongoing conflicts and rising tensions around the world impact international relations. The Russia-Ukraine conflict and the divergent positions adopted by SCO members such as India, China and Russia complicate deliberations within forums such as the SCO.
India emphasized the importance of mitigating these consequences through finding common ground and cooperation.
Combatting cross-border terrorism
One of the highest priorities of the SCO is combating cross-border terrorism. Unchecked terrorism poses a significant threat to global and regional peace.
India emphasized that terrorism in any form cannot be justified and countries that harbor terrorists must be isolated.
India highlighted the importance of combating terror financing and youth radicalisation, advocating the use of the Regional Counter-Terrorism Framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (RATS - SCO) for coordination and information sharing.
Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development
India reiterated its commitment to reducing emissions and adopting climate-resilient infrastructure.
Forums such as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) have been emphasized to enhance the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks and ensure sustainable development in the region.
The SCO Green Growth Forum aims to enhance cooperation among SCO countries in green energy, green industry, climate change mitigation and ecological conservation. India believes that it can boost initiatives such as the Global Biofuels Alliance and the E20 Initiative.
Enhancing connectivity for economic growth
India has emphasized that strong connectivity is essential for economic growth and trust building. Projects such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), the Chabahar project in Iran and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) linking the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf with the Caspian Sea and Northern Europe are important for connectivity between India, Central Asia and Europe.
India has called for serious discussions within the SCO on connectivity and infrastructure projects to ensure mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Technological advancement and AI cooperation
The 21st century is characterized by technological advancement. India has urged the SCO to focus on the use of technology for social welfare and progress.
India, which has formulated a national strategy on Artificial Intelligence, reiterated its commitment to 'AI for All' and expressed its willingness to work within the SCO framework on a roadmap for AI cooperation.
People-to-people diplomacy
People-to-people diplomacy plays an important role in cooperation among SCO countries, acting as a bridge between nations by providing opportunities for developing and enriching different cultures and civilizations and preserving folk traditions.
For example, more than a hundred participants from the SCO practiced yoga at an event at the SCO Secretariat. The involvement of young people in entrepreneurial activities through the SCO Young Entrepreneurs Forum makes a significant contribution to deepening cooperation among member countries.
To enhance people-to-people ties, India has organized events such as the SCO Millet Food Festival, SCO Film Festival and SCO Surajkund Crafts Mela during its tenure as SCO host in 2023.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
Origin and Formation
The SCO originated from the ‘Shanghai Five’ formed in 1996. It comprised China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
In 2001, the organization expanded and was formally established in Shanghai.
