S. Jaishankar Calls for Closer Cooperation Among SCO Nations

S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, emphasized the need for increased cooperation among the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) given the current global challenges, including economic recession, disrupted supply chains, and food and energy insecurity. Speaking at the SCO Heads of Government meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Jaishankar highlighted the centrality of the interests of Central Asian states in addressing these challenges.

He also stressed the importance of the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and the International North-South Transport Corridor in fostering economic prosperity in the region while ensuring that initiatives do not burden the Global South with unviable debt.

Jaishankar expressed India’s eagerness to partner with SCO member states for sustainable, mutually beneficial solutions, emphasizing the importance of robust connectivity and infrastructure. He also noted the resilience of the Indian economy and the significant growth in India’s trade with SCO members, particularly Russia, over the past year.