SCO Summit will lead by Dr. S. Jaishankar as the Indian delegate which will be hosted by Kazakhstan in Astana on July 4. The event, scheduled for later this month in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, marks India’s proactive stance in strengthening ties within the SCO framework, which encompasses a diverse range of geopolitical and economic interests across Eurasia.
The 24th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State, or the SCO Summit, will be hosted by Kazakhstan in Astana on July 4. The external affairs ministry formally announced on Tuesday that Jaishankar will the Indian side in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to skip the meeting.
SCO Summit: A Platform for Regional Cooperation
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, founded in 2001, has evolved into a crucial platform for multilateral cooperation among its member states. Originally formed to address security concerns in Central Asia, the SCO has expanded its agenda to include economic, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation. Its current members include China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, with Afghanistan and Iran holding observer status.
For India, participation in the SCO represents an opportunity to engage with key regional players, particularly China and Russia, on issues ranging from security and counter-terrorism to economic development and connectivity projects. The SCO also serves as a forum for India to assert its interests in Central Asia, a region of growing strategic importance due to its energy resources, geopolitical positioning, and cultural ties with the Indian subcontinent.
Dr. S. Jaishankar: India’s Chief Diplomat
Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, a seasoned diplomat and former Foreign Secretary, assumed office as India’s External Affairs Minister in 2019. Known for his pragmatic approach and deep understanding of international relations, Jaishankar has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s foreign policy initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Jaishankar’s tenure has been marked by efforts to diversify India’s diplomatic engagements, strengthen bilateral ties with major powers, and elevate India’s stature on the global stage. His participation in the SCO Summit underscores India’s commitment to constructive engagement within multilateral forums while advancing its national interests.
India’s priorities in the nine-member bloc are shaped by Modi’s vision of a “SECURE SCO”, the ministry said. SECURE stands for security, economic cooperation, connectivity, unity, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and environmental protection.
Agenda for the 2024 SCO Summit
The upcoming SCO Summit in Bishkek will address a wide range of regional and global issues.
- Security cooperation: discussions on regional security dynamics, counter-terrorism measures, and joint military exercises.
- Economic integration: promoting trade and investment among member states and exploring potential cooperation within the SCO framework.
- Cultural exchanges: efforts to strengthen cultural relations and people-to-people exchanges among SCO member states.
- Environmental sustainability: efforts to address climate change, sustainable development goals, and environmental protection.
The focus of India’s participation will be on advancing inclusive and sustainable development strategies, improving connectivity through initiatives such as the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), and promoting enhanced cooperation in areas such as energy and technology.
India’s Preparation for SCO Summit
As India prepares to participate in the SCO Summit under the leadership of Dr. S. Jaishankar, the country stands poised to reaffirm its commitment to regional cooperation, economic integration, and security collaboration. The summit provides a platform for India to engage proactively with its neighbors and global partners, contributing to stability and prosperity in the Eurasian region and beyond.
Dr. Jaishankar’s leadership at the summit will not only underscore India’s diplomatic priorities but also highlight its role as a responsible global stakeholder. With a focus on enhancing connectivity, fostering economic growth, and promoting cultural exchanges, India’s engagement in the SCO reinforces its vision for a secure, stable, and interconnected Eurasia.
As developments unfold at the SCO Summit in Bishkek, the international community will keenly observe India’s contributions and diplomatic initiatives under Jaishankar’s guidance, reflecting India’s evolving role in shaping regional and global affairs.
