Iran will be admitted to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) this year, with a memorandum on the country's obligations to be signed at a summit in Samarkand, which will take place from 
September 15-16, Uzbekistan's acting foreign minister, Vladimir Norov, said on Monday, as reported by ANI.

"This year, within Uzbekistan's chairmanship, Iran will be admitted to the SCO as an observer state ... A memorandum on Iran's obligations as an SCO member will also be signed in Samarkand," Norov said at a panel meeting in Moscow.

The SCO was founded in Shanghai in 2001 by the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia and China. It evolved from an earlier regional security grouping formed in 1996 after the collapse of the Soviet Union when the Central Asian states gained independence from Moscow. The historical meeting of the Heads of State Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was held on June 8-9, 2017 in Astana. At the meeting, the status of a full member of the Organization was granted to India and Pakistan.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-committee-to-focus-on-trump-proud-boys-and-oath-keepers-at-capitol-riot-hearing-496526">&nbsp;US House committee to focus on Trump, Proud Boys and Oath Keepers at Capitol riot hearing</a>

Initially focused on regional security, including border conflicts, terrorism and militant Islam, its activities have expanded to cover economics and trade, transport and law enforcement. Security and economic cooperation remain priorities. China and Russia are the dominant members. Russia regards Central Asia as its sphere of influence but Chinese economic sway is growing. At an informal level, the SCO is a diplomatic platform that helps address and contain potential friction.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Iran will be admitted to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) this year, with a memorandum on the country's obligations to be signed at a summit in Samarkand, which will take place from September 15-16, Uzbekistan's acting foreign minister, Vladimir Norov, said on Monday, as reported by ANI.

Iran will be admitted to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) this year, with a memorandum on the country's obligations to be signed at a summit in Samarkand, which will take place from September 15-16, Uzbekistan's acting foreign minister, Vladimir Norov, said on Monday, as reported by ANI. "This year, within Uzbekistan's chairmanship, Iran will be admitted to the SCO as an observer state ... A memorandum on Iran's obligations as an SCO member will also be signed in Samarkand," Norov said at a panel meeting in Moscow. The SCO was founded in Shanghai in 2001 by the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia and China. It evolved from an earlier regional security grouping formed in 1996 after the collapse of the Soviet Union when the Central Asian states gained independence from Moscow. The historical meeting of the Heads of State Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was held on June 8-9, 2017 in Astana. At the meeting, the status of a full member of the Organization was granted to India and Pakistan. Also Read: US House committee to focus on Trump, Proud Boys and Oath Keepers at Capitol riot hearing Initially focused on regional security, including border conflicts, terrorism and militant Islam, its activities have expanded to cover economics and trade, transport and law enforcement. Security and economic cooperation remain priorities. China and Russia are the dominant members. Russia regards Central Asia as its sphere of influence but Chinese economic sway is growing. At an informal level, the SCO is a diplomatic platform that helps address and contain potential friction. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iran will become full-fledged member of SCO this year

Iran will be admitted to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) this year within Uzbekistan's chairmanship. The SCO was founded in Shanghai in 2001 by the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia and China.

Iran to become SCO member this year, Uzbekistan takes chairmanship

Iran will be admitted to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) this year, with a memorandum on the country's obligations to be signed at a summit in Samarkand, which will take place from September 15-16.

Iran to become SCO member this year

India is hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO-RATS) summit in New Delhi with key delegates from China, Pakistan, and Russia in attendance. The conclave will continue until May 19.

Delegates from Pakistan attends SCO's anti-terror meet in New Delhi

India will be hosting the meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's (SCO's) anti-terror body--Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure or RATS--next week. The meeting will take place from May 16th to 19th in Delhi and will see the participation of all members of the grouping, including Pakistan.

India to host SCO anti-terror meet from May 16 to 19, Pakistan to participate

In June 2017, India became the permanent member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The inclusion of India, along with Pakistan, in the regional grouping has inflated hopes of the regional cooperation between India and China. &nbsp;

The Indian establishment accepted the invitation of Chinese leadership and became the member of the regional group. With the advent of complex interdependence, to leverage the benefits of economic development of advanced nations in the multi-polar world, India adopted the strategy of collaboration with all major states to possess stable relationship with all nations in the region, including China, However, during mid-2017, it was also the critical phase when India was involved in military confrontation with the PLA at Doklam trijunction region.

Indian and Chinese engagement at the SCO was critical, considering the fallout of military clashes between the two sides in eastern region of Ladakh, for shaping up developmental policies for the growth of whole region. Since India has become a full member-state of the SCO, both sides were involved in serious business activities in order to make noteworthy progress in bilateral relationship in diverse fields such as SCO University, health cooperation and counter-terrorism measures.&nbsp;

India’s ‘Political’ Masterstroke

The significance of the SCO emerges from the notion that this international grouping comprises of India’s strategic partner – Russia, its immediate neighbors – China and Pakistan and, most importantly, the Central Asian Republics (CARs) like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Through the institution like SCO, New Delhi’s strategy was to include and enhance geo-political and strategic connections, trade and economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges with China and other Asian republics.

The SCO became the medium for India to connect with China outside the geo-political arena of the South-Asian region. It will help India to come closer to China and eventually advance its prospects in the region. Through this medium, India and China, together, can play a constructive role in coordinating their efforts for promoting their political and economic interests through managing the Central Asian Republics. Indian membership of the SCO will definitely reform the power dynamics in the Central Asian region, specifically, and all of the Indo-Pacific region, broadly, with effects on India’s relationship with nations like United States, Japan and Australia.

The SCO is the global institution of which India and China are the members, apart from the United Nations, thus, providing diplomatic opportunity to freely express their concerns with regard to the regional security parameters. Moreover, it is a platform for bilateral dialogue between India and China for resolution of all disputes.

Nonetheless, India’s strategic vision was to leverage form its geographical position and its historical socio-cultural and trade contacts with the Central Asian Republics.&nbsp;

The significance of these advantages has been worth noting in India’s dealing with assertive China in the region. The full-fledged participation in this organization also assumes significance amidst the Chinese insistence on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project in the Eurasian region.

Therefore, by accepting the Chinese offer to become the member-state of this organization, India has accurately held the position that it is not against any multilateral connectivity project, unless it violates territorial integrity and sovereignty.&nbsp;

The pro-active approach of the Indian political leadership also, markedly, deflates the notion that India is against any regional connectivity project, as in case of the BRI project; and in contrary, communicated through this diplomatic step that India is willing to engage with all the major stakeholders in the region for economic progress and overall development of the region.

Recent SCO Meeting&nbsp;

The 21st meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State, held on September 17, 2021, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the meeting, though virtual mode, and highlighted the prospects of radicalization and extremism in the broader SCO region, with reference to rapid fall of Afghanistan into the hands of militant organization.

Through the Prime Minister’s address, India signaled its approach with regard to the developments in Afghanistan to China, specifically, and the international community at large, and called for mutual efforts to stabilize the volatile situation in the region of which China has also become a significant stakeholder due to its close contacts with Taliban.&nbsp;

The economic understanding between India and China is of paramount importance for both nations, thus, both sides chose not to escalate the border tensions into a full-fledged confrontation between both Asian powers. Indian and Chinese leadership also demonstratesd their willingness to resolve immediate matters of concerns amicably and adopted conciliatory tone and tenor in the recently held meeting between the Council of Head of the States in September 2021.&nbsp;

There is a sense of understanding between both nations to discuss the evolving situation in the Central and South Asian region within a framework of respecting each other’s concerns related to security and strategic interests. In a major diplomatic victory for India, the SCO also called for cooperation amongst the international community in its fight against all forms of terrorism and to not support any manifestations of extremism and radicalization. It also encouraged economic integration and called for deep cooperation in health sector and other fields to enhance the member states’ capabilities in its fight against the pandemic. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Both India and China acknowledged the fact that, in 21st century, collaboration is the only ‘way forward’ in their efforts to strengthen their relationship. Indian perspective with regard to the relationship with China has been clearly stated by the Minister of External Affairs, Dr Jaishankar, in his address during his meeting with the Chinese delegation, said, ‘India-China ties are indispensable and that India does not want clash of civilizations.’

A Future Perspective

It is imperative for both nations to work together, and resolve differences through dialogue and negotiations, to maintain peace along the border areas and carefully prevent the recurrence of the events that has disrupted the serious progress made by both sides in the past two decades to develop smooth and cooperative bilateral relationship.

Hence, the global forum like – Shanghai Cooperation Organization – plays the notable role in establishing close contacts between India and China and provides opportunity to jointly respond to the international challenges within the broad framework of mutual respect and coordination amongst each other to maintain peace and stability in the Asian region.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writers do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

In June 2017, India became the permanent member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The inclusion of India, along with Pakistan, in the regional grouping has inflated hopes of the regional cooperation between India and China.

In June 2017, India became the permanent member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The inclusion of India, along with Pakistan, in the regional grouping has inflated hopes of the regional cooperation between India and China. The Indian establishment accepted the invitation of Chinese leadership and became the member of the regional group. With the advent of complex interdependence, to leverage the benefits of economic development of advanced nations in the multi-polar world, India adopted the strategy of collaboration with all major states to possess stable relationship with all nations in the region, including China, However, during mid-2017, it was also the critical phase when India was involved in military confrontation with the PLA at Doklam trijunction region. Indian and Chinese engagement at the SCO was critical, considering the fallout of military clashes between the two sides in eastern region of Ladakh, for shaping up developmental policies for the growth of whole region. Since India has become a full member-state of the SCO, both sides were involved in serious business activities in order to make noteworthy progress in bilateral relationship in diverse fields such as SCO University, health cooperation and counter-terrorism measures. India’s ‘Political’ Masterstroke The significance of the SCO emerges from the notion that this international grouping comprises of India’s strategic partner – Russia, its immediate neighbors – China and Pakistan and, most importantly, the Central Asian Republics (CARs) like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Through the institution like SCO, New Delhi’s strategy was to include and enhance geo-political and strategic connections, trade and economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges with China and other Asian republics. The SCO became the medium for India to connect with China outside the geo-political arena of the South-Asian region. It will help India to come closer to China and eventually advance its prospects in the region. Through this medium, India and China, together, can play a constructive role in coordinating their efforts for promoting their political and economic interests through managing the Central Asian Republics. Indian membership of the SCO will definitely reform the power dynamics in the Central Asian region, specifically, and all of the Indo-Pacific region, broadly, with effects on India’s relationship with nations like United States, Japan and Australia. The SCO is the global institution of which India and China are the members, apart from the United Nations, thus, providing diplomatic opportunity to freely express their concerns with regard to the regional security parameters. Moreover, it is a platform for bilateral dialogue between India and China for resolution of all disputes. Nonetheless, India’s strategic vision was to leverage form its geographical position and its historical socio-cultural and trade contacts with the Central Asian Republics. The significance of these advantages has been worth noting in India’s dealing with assertive China in the region. The full-fledged participation in this organization also assumes significance amidst the Chinese insistence on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project in the Eurasian region. Therefore, by accepting the Chinese offer to become the member-state of this organization, India has accurately held the position that it is not against any multilateral connectivity project, unless it violates territorial integrity and sovereignty. The pro-active approach of the Indian political leadership also, markedly, deflates the notion that India is against any regional connectivity project, as in case of the BRI project; and in contrary, communicated through this diplomatic step that India is willing to engage with all the major stakeholders in the region for economic progress and overall development of the region. Recent SCO Meeting The 21st meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State, held on September 17, 2021, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the meeting, though virtual mode, and highlighted the prospects of radicalization and extremism in the broader SCO region, with reference to rapid fall of Afghanistan into the hands of militant organization. Through the Prime Minister’s address, India signaled its approach with regard to the developments in Afghanistan to China, specifically, and the international community at large, and called for mutual efforts to stabilize the volatile situation in the region of which China has also become a significant stakeholder due to its close contacts with Taliban. The economic understanding between India and China is of paramount importance for both nations, thus, both sides chose not to escalate the border tensions into a full-fledged confrontation between both Asian powers. Indian and Chinese leadership also demonstratesd their willingness to resolve immediate matters of concerns amicably and adopted conciliatory tone and tenor in the recently held meeting between the Council of Head of the States in September 2021. There is a sense of understanding between both nations to discuss the evolving situation in the Central and South Asian region within a framework of respecting each other’s concerns related to security and strategic interests. In a major diplomatic victory for India, the SCO also called for cooperation amongst the international community in its fight against all forms of terrorism and to not support any manifestations of extremism and radicalization. It also encouraged economic integration and called for deep cooperation in health sector and other fields to enhance the member states’ capabilities in its fight against the pandemic. Both India and China acknowledged the fact that, in 21st century, collaboration is the only ‘way forward’ in their efforts to strengthen their relationship. Indian perspective with regard to the relationship with China has been clearly stated by the Minister of External Affairs, Dr Jaishankar, in his address during his meeting with the Chinese delegation, said, ‘India-China ties are indispensable and that India does not want clash of civilizations.’ A Future Perspective It is imperative for both nations to work together, and resolve differences through dialogue and negotiations, to maintain peace along the border areas and carefully prevent the recurrence of the events that has disrupted the serious progress made by both sides in the past two decades to develop smooth and cooperative bilateral relationship. Hence, the global forum like – Shanghai Cooperation Organization – plays the notable role in establishing close contacts between India and China and provides opportunity to jointly respond to the international challenges within the broad framework of mutual respect and coordination amongst each other to maintain peace and stability in the Asian region. (Disclaimer: The views of the writers do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

India and China at SCO: Emerging competition and cooperation

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met his Chinese counterpart Wan Yi on the sidelines of Shanghai Co-operation Organisation summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Jaishankar told Yi that progress in the disengagement process in eastern Ladakh was essential for restoration of peace and tranquillity and that it is the basis for the development of overall ties.

It is understood that developments in Afghanistan figured in the talks between the two foreign ministers.

"Met Chinese FM Wang Yi on the sidelines of SCO Summit in Dushanbe. Discussed disengagement in our border areas. Underlined that progress in this regard is essential for restoration of peace and tranquillity, which is the basis for development of bilateral ties," Jaishankar tweeted.

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Met Chinese FM Wang Yi on the sidelines of SCO Summit in Dushanbe. 
 
Discussed disengagement in our border areas. Underlined that progress in this regard is essential for restoration of peace and tranquillity, which is the basis for development of bilateral ties. <a href="https://t.co/wmO0sxeWwL">pic.twitter.com/wmO0sxeWwL</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1438577491308793861?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

After the meeting, Jaishankar said India does not subscribe to any clash of civilisations theory.

"Also exchanged views on global developments. Emphasized that India does not subscribe to any clash of civilisations theory. It is also essential that China does not view its relations with India through the lens of a third country," he said.

"As for Asian solidarity, it is for China and India to set an example," the external affairs minister said. 
The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5 last year following a violent clash in the Pangong lake area and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry.

As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process in the Gogra area last month, in a significant forward movement towards the restoration of peace and tranquillity in the region.

In February, the two sides completed the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the north and south banks of the Pangong lake in line with an agreement on disengagement.

Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the sensitive sector.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met his Chinese counterpart Wan Yi on the sidelines of Shanghai Co-operation Organisation summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met his Chinese counterpart Wan Yi on the sidelines of Shanghai Co-operation Organisation summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Jaishankar told Yi that progress in the disengagement process in eastern Ladakh was essential for restoration of peace and tranquillity and that it is the basis for the development of overall ties. It is understood that developments in Afghanistan figured in the talks between the two foreign ministers. "Met Chinese FM Wang Yi on the sidelines of SCO Summit in Dushanbe. Discussed disengagement in our border areas. Underlined that progress in this regard is essential for restoration of peace and tranquillity, which is the basis for development of bilateral ties," Jaishankar tweeted. Met Chinese FM Wang Yi on the sidelines of SCO Summit in Dushanbe. Discussed disengagement in our border areas. Underlined that progress in this regard is essential for restoration of peace and tranquillity, which is the basis for development of bilateral ties. pic.twitter.com/wmO0sxeWwL — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 16, 2021 × After the meeting, Jaishankar said India does not subscribe to any clash of civilisations theory. "Also exchanged views on global developments. Emphasized that India does not subscribe to any clash of civilisations theory. It is also essential that China does not view its relations with India through the lens of a third country," he said. "As for Asian solidarity, it is for China and India to set an example," the external affairs minister said. The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5 last year following a violent clash in the Pangong lake area and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry. As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process in the Gogra area last month, in a significant forward movement towards the restoration of peace and tranquillity in the region. In February, the two sides completed the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the north and south banks of the Pangong lake in line with an agreement on disengagement. Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the sensitive sector. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan features in Sino-Indian foreign minister talks at SCO

A joint summit with the member states of Shanghai Cooperation and Collective Security Treaty Organization has kicked off in Tajikistan.

SCO & SCTO Summit kicks off in Dushanbe

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called for developing a template by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to effectively deal with the challenges of extremism and radicalisation.

In a virtual address at the annual SCO summit, Modi said the "root cause" of the problems faced by the region is increasing radicalisation and the developments in Afghanistan reflected the challenge.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed Iran to the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) and issued a warning against radicalisation 
 
For more videos, visit: <a href="https://t.co/dm7SyBIpO6">https://t.co/dm7SyBIpO6</a> <a href="https://t.co/N2MCqXTrno">pic.twitter.com/N2MCqXTrno</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1438773290688868353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"I believe that the biggest challenges in this area are related to peace, security and trust deficit. And the root cause of these problems is the increasing radicalisation. The recent developments in Afghanistan have made this challenge more clear," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-inaugurates-new-defence-offices-slams-central-vista-critics-413481">Also read |&nbsp;Indian PM Modi inaugurates new defence offices, slams Central Vista critics</a>

He further said that the SCO should develop a template to fight radicalisation and extremism.

He urged the SCO to&nbsp;work on developing a strong network among moderate, tolerant and inclusive institutions and traditions associated with Islam.

The prime minister also said that India is committed to increasing its connectivity with Central Asia.

At the same time, he also said that any connectivity initiative cannot be a "one-way street" and connectivity projects should be consultative, transparent and participatory.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called for developing a template by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to effectively deal with the challenges of extremism and radicalisation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called for developing a template by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to effectively deal with the challenges of extremism and radicalisation. In a virtual address at the annual SCO summit, Modi said the "root cause" of the problems faced by the region is increasing radicalisation and the developments in Afghanistan reflected the challenge. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed Iran to the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) and issued a warning against radicalisation For more videos, visit: https://t.co/dm7SyBIpO6 pic.twitter.com/N2MCqXTrno — WION (@WIONews) September 17, 2021 × "I believe that the biggest challenges in this area are related to peace, security and trust deficit. And the root cause of these problems is the increasing radicalisation. The recent developments in Afghanistan have made this challenge more clear," he said. Also read | Indian PM Modi inaugurates new defence offices, slams Central Vista critics He further said that the SCO should develop a template to fight radicalisation and extremism. He urged the SCO to work on developing a strong network among moderate, tolerant and inclusive institutions and traditions associated with Islam. The prime minister also said that India is committed to increasing its connectivity with Central Asia. At the same time, he also said that any connectivity initiative cannot be a "one-way street" and connectivity projects should be consultative, transparent and participatory.

PM Modi calls for SCO template to fight radicalisation, extremism

Afghanistan and expansion of the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) will be key focus at the grouping's heads-of-state-summit that will take place on Friday (September 17). The summit, being hosted by Tajikistan, will take place in its capital Dushanbe in a hybrid mode. The summit will see a meeting on Afghanistan in which SCO member countries will be present along with those part of Collective Security Treaty organisation (CSTO). The CSTO is an alliance of Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan

SCO summit-host Tajikistan shares a land border with Afghanistan and since Taliban takeover, raised its concerns publicly many times.

SCO grouping has 8 member states--Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and 4 central Asian countries--Tajikistan, &nbsp;Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan. Afghanistan is an observer member country and situation in the country impacts many of the SCO countries directly, especially central Asian states who share border with it and fear a refugee influx.

One of the key outcomes of the summit will on expansion of the grouping with process to incorporate Iran and a full member set to start and number of countries in the gulf getting dialogue or observer status. Iran will get full membership after completion of due SCO legal process.

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the SCO heads of state summit on Friday. PM is expected to address the meet between 11.30 am to 11.40 am after the welcome address by Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.

External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar will be representing India at the meet in person in Dushanbe. This is the 4th time India is participating in the summit as a full-fledged member state. India's key focus at the meet will expectedly be on counter-terror, economic cooperation and most significantly, Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said, "At the Summit, the leaders are expected to review the organization’s activities over the past two decades and discuss the state and prospects of future cooperation. Topical issues of regional and international importance are also expected to be discussed.'

On the sidelines of the meeting EAM will have number of bilateral meets including with his Tajik and Iranian counterparts. This will be the first in-person meet between EAM Jaishankar and Iran's new FM Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. The heads of state and foreign minister will be arriving in the capital later today. EAM Jaishankar left for the city early on Thursday. On Friday, the summit will start around 11.30 am IST.

This Summit is significant as SCO celebrates 20th anniversary of its foundation in 2021 and Tajikistan marks 30 years of its independence. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Putin wil take part in this year's summit virtually, while Pakistani PM Imran Khan will be present in person. Last year, India chaired the 19th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) in virtual format.

Afghanistan and expansion of the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) will be key focus at the grouping's heads-of-state-summit that will take place on Friday (September 17).

Afghanistan and expansion of the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) will be key focus at the grouping's heads-of-state-summit that will take place on Friday (September 17). The summit, being hosted by Tajikistan, will take place in its capital Dushanbe in a hybrid mode. The summit will see a meeting on Afghanistan in which SCO member countries will be present along with those part of Collective Security Treaty organisation (CSTO). The CSTO is an alliance of Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan SCO summit-host Tajikistan shares a land border with Afghanistan and since Taliban takeover, raised its concerns publicly many times. SCO grouping has 8 member states--Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and 4 central Asian countries--Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan. Afghanistan is an observer member country and situation in the country impacts many of the SCO countries directly, especially central Asian states who share border with it and fear a refugee influx. One of the key outcomes of the summit will on expansion of the grouping with process to incorporate Iran and a full member set to start and number of countries in the gulf getting dialogue or observer status. Iran will get full membership after completion of due SCO legal process. India Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the SCO heads of state summit on Friday. PM is expected to address the meet between 11.30 am to 11.40 am after the welcome address by Tajik President Emomali Rahmon. External affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar will be representing India at the meet in person in Dushanbe. This is the 4th time India is participating in the summit as a full-fledged member state. India's key focus at the meet will expectedly be on counter-terror, economic cooperation and most significantly, Afghanistan. The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said, "At the Summit, the leaders are expected to review the organization’s activities over the past two decades and discuss the state and prospects of future cooperation. Topical issues of regional and international importance are also expected to be discussed.' On the sidelines of the meeting EAM will have number of bilateral meets including with his Tajik and Iranian counterparts. This will be the first in-person meet between EAM Jaishankar and Iran's new FM Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. The heads of state and foreign minister will be arriving in the capital later today. EAM Jaishankar left for the city early on Thursday. On Friday, the summit will start around 11.30 am IST. This Summit is significant as SCO celebrates 20th anniversary of its foundation in 2021 and Tajikistan marks 30 years of its independence. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Putin wil take part in this year's summit virtually, while Pakistani PM Imran Khan will be present in person. Last year, India chaired the 19th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) in virtual format.

Afghanistan, expansion key focus at SCO summit, PM Modi to address meet

India has no plans to participate in Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s&nbsp;anti-terror exercises in Pabbi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The exercise will take place later this month in the country, which became a member of the grouping in 2017 along with India.&nbsp;

The "Pabbi-Antiterror-2021" was first announced in March of this year after the 36th meeting of the Council of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) that took place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. During the meet, the member states also approved the draft&nbsp;programme&nbsp;of cooperation for 2022-2024 to counter terrorism, separatism and extremism.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Can India &amp; Russia cooperate on Afghanistan?

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SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is headquartered in Tashkent. During a February visit to the headquarters by a Pakistani delegation, Islamabad presented preliminary information on the design and preparation of “Pabbi-Antiterror-2021”.&nbsp;

In 2020, India had not participated in SCO counter terror exercise-Kavkaz in Russia that saw participation of Chinese and Pakistani forces. Those exercises in&nbsp;September&nbsp;2020 came in the backdrop of aggressive action by the Chinese at the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh's&nbsp;Galwan&nbsp;that killed 20 Indian soldiers.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-closely-watching-pakistans-actions-in-afghanistan-says-foreign-secretary-shringla-410582" hreflang="en">India, US closely watching Pakistan's actions in Afghanistan, says Foreign Secretary Shringla</a>

Interesting to note, that India will take part in SCO's Peace Mission 2021 that is going to take place this month in Russia. "Peace Mission&nbsp;2021" exercise will be undertaken at Orenburg Oblast, Russia, from September 11 to 25. The exercise will see participation of all SCO member countries, including China and Pakistan.&nbsp;

SCO grouping has 8 member states, which are&nbsp;Russia, China, India, Pakistan and&nbsp;four&nbsp;central Asian countries,&nbsp;Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kyrgyzstan. This month will see the Shanghai Cooperation&nbsp;Organisation&nbsp;or SCO heads of state summit as well on September 16&nbsp;and&nbsp;17 in Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the summit, which will be hybrid&nbsp;with some leaders participating in person.&nbsp;

India has no plans to participate in Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s anti-terror exercises in Pabbi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The exercise will take place later this month in the country, which became a member of the grouping in 2017 along with India.

India has no plans to participate in Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s anti-terror exercises in Pabbi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The exercise will take place later this month in the country, which became a member of the grouping in 2017 along with India. The "Pabbi-Antiterror-2021" was first announced in March of this year after the 36th meeting of the Council of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) that took place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. During the meet, the member states also approved the draft programme of cooperation for 2022-2024 to counter terrorism, separatism and extremism. Watch | Gravitas: Can India & Russia cooperate on Afghanistan? × SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is headquartered in Tashkent. During a February visit to the headquarters by a Pakistani delegation, Islamabad presented preliminary information on the design and preparation of “Pabbi-Antiterror-2021”. In 2020, India had not participated in SCO counter terror exercise-Kavkaz in Russia that saw participation of Chinese and Pakistani forces. Those exercises in September 2020 came in the backdrop of aggressive action by the Chinese at the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh's Galwan that killed 20 Indian soldiers. Also Read | India, US closely watching Pakistan's actions in Afghanistan, says Foreign Secretary Shringla Interesting to note, that India will take part in SCO's Peace Mission 2021 that is going to take place this month in Russia. "Peace Mission 2021" exercise will be undertaken at Orenburg Oblast, Russia, from September 11 to 25. The exercise will see participation of all SCO member countries, including China and Pakistan. SCO grouping has 8 member states, which are Russia, China, India, Pakistan and four central Asian countries, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. This month will see the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO heads of state summit as well on September 16 and 17 in Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the summit, which will be hybrid with some leaders participating in person.

No Indian plans to participate in SCO anti-terror exercises in Pakistan 

Pakistan is all set to host this year's Shanghai Cooperation Organisation for anti-terror exercises and India has decided not to participate in the event.

SCO's Anti-Terror Exercise: India not part of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation exercise

Indian PM Modi will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO heads of state summit virtually. The summit will take place from September 16 to 17 in Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend SCO Summit virtually

Russia and China agreed to step up their efforts to counter “threats” emanating from Afghanistan after the Taliban’s takeover of the country, the Kremlin said on Wednesday.

In a phone call, Russian President Vladamir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping expressed “their readiness to step up efforts to combat threats of terrorism and drug trafficking coming from the territory of Afghanistan”, the Kremlin said in a statement.

The leaders also highlighted the “importance of establishing peace” in Afghanistan and “preventing the spread of instability to adjacent regions”.

Putin has been quite cautious of the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan as several of the former soviet countries share a border with Kabul.

He recently warned of Afghan terrorists entering neighbouring countries as refugees.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-offers-the-taliban-a-warm-welcome-while-urging-peace-talks-401278">China offers the Taliban a warm welcome while urging peace talks</a>

The president has also been critical of the western nations for “unnecessary interference” in the restive region, saying “ they must stop the irresponsible policy of imposing foreign values from abroad”.

Putin and Xi “agreed to intensify bilateral contacts” and “make the most of the potential” of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) that is due to convene in Tajikistan next month.

After the Taliban came to power on August 15, China said it was ready to deepen “friendly and cooperative ties” with Afghanistan.

(with inputs from agencies)

Russia and China agreed to step up their efforts to counter “threats” emanating from Afghanistan after the Taliban’s takeover of the country, the Kremlin said on Wednesday.

Russia and China agreed to step up their efforts to counter “threats” emanating from Afghanistan after the Taliban’s takeover of the country, the Kremlin said on Wednesday. In a phone call, Russian President Vladamir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping expressed “their readiness to step up efforts to combat threats of terrorism and drug trafficking coming from the territory of Afghanistan”, the Kremlin said in a statement. The leaders also highlighted the “importance of establishing peace” in Afghanistan and “preventing the spread of instability to adjacent regions”. Putin has been quite cautious of the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan as several of the former soviet countries share a border with Kabul. He recently warned of Afghan terrorists entering neighbouring countries as refugees. Also read | China offers the Taliban a warm welcome while urging peace talks The president has also been critical of the western nations for “unnecessary interference” in the restive region, saying “ they must stop the irresponsible policy of imposing foreign values from abroad”. Putin and Xi “agreed to intensify bilateral contacts” and “make the most of the potential” of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) that is due to convene in Tajikistan next month. After the Taliban came to power on August 15, China said it was ready to deepen “friendly and cooperative ties” with Afghanistan. (with inputs from agencies)

China, Russia agree to jointly counter “threats” from Afghanistan

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday held bilateral talks with his Belarusian counterpart Lt Gen Viktor Khrenin on the sidelines of a conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Dushanbe.

Officials said the two ministers deliberated on bilateral defence cooperation and touched upon regional security challenges.

"Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh meeting the Defence Minister of Belarus, Lieutenant General Viktor Khrenin on the sidelines of SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in Dushanbe," Singh's office tweeted.

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Raksha Mantri Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajnathsingh</a> meeting the Defence Minister of Belarus, Lieutenant General Viktor Khrenin on the sidelines of SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting in Dushanbe. <a href="https://t.co/MspvW3QguT">pic.twitter.com/MspvW3QguT</a>
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia/status/1420255611313287171?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The defence minister reached the capital city of Tajikistan on Tuesday on a three-day visit to attend the conclave of the defence ministers of the member states of the SCO.

In his address at the conclave, Singh is expected to pitch for concerted efforts to deal with terrorism and other security challenges facing the region.

The defence minister is also expected to meet his Tajik counterpart Col Gen Sherali Mirzo to discuss bilateral as well as other issues of mutual interest.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-to-visit-tajikistan-for-sco-defence-ministers-meet-400823">Rajnath Singh to visit Tajikistan for SCO defence ministers meet</a>

Tajikistan is chairing the SCO this year and hosting a series of ministerial and official-level meetings.

The SCO, seen as a counterweight to NATO, is an eight-member economic and security bloc and has emerged as one of the largest transregional international organisations. India and Pakistan became its permanent members in 2017.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sco-defence-minsiter-meet-rajnath-singh-to-leave-for-tajikistan-400945/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

India has shown keen interest in deepening its security-related cooperation with the SCO and its Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) that specifically deals with issues relating to security and defence.

India was made an observer at the SCO in 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday held bilateral talks with his Belarusian counterpart Lt Gen Viktor Khrenin on the sidelines of a conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Dushanbe.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday held bilateral talks with his Belarusian counterpart Lt Gen Viktor Khrenin on the sidelines of a conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Dushanbe. Officials said the two ministers deliberated on bilateral defence cooperation and touched upon regional security challenges. "Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh meeting the Defence Minister of Belarus, Lieutenant General Viktor Khrenin on the sidelines of SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in Dushanbe," Singh's office tweeted. Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh meeting the Defence Minister of Belarus, Lieutenant General Viktor Khrenin on the sidelines of SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting in Dushanbe. pic.twitter.com/MspvW3QguT — रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) July 28, 2021 × The defence minister reached the capital city of Tajikistan on Tuesday on a three-day visit to attend the conclave of the defence ministers of the member states of the SCO. In his address at the conclave, Singh is expected to pitch for concerted efforts to deal with terrorism and other security challenges facing the region. The defence minister is also expected to meet his Tajik counterpart Col Gen Sherali Mirzo to discuss bilateral as well as other issues of mutual interest. Also read | Rajnath Singh to visit Tajikistan for SCO defence ministers meet Tajikistan is chairing the SCO this year and hosting a series of ministerial and official-level meetings. The SCO, seen as a counterweight to NATO, is an eight-member economic and security bloc and has emerged as one of the largest transregional international organisations. India and Pakistan became its permanent members in 2017. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India has shown keen interest in deepening its security-related cooperation with the SCO and its Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) that specifically deals with issues relating to security and defence. India was made an observer at the SCO in 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region.

Rajnath holds bilateral talks with his Belarusian counterpart in Dushanbe

Defence minister Rajnath Singh will be leaving for Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe on Tuesday to participate in Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's Defence Ministers meet.

Wednesday will be the main day of engagement&nbsp;which will include a joint call on by SCO defence ministers with&nbsp;Tajikistan's&nbsp;President Emomali Rahmon.

Tajikistan&nbsp;is chair of the grouping which has eight&nbsp;member states - Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and four&nbsp;central Asian countries - Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and&nbsp;Kyrgyzstan.&nbsp;Tajikistan&nbsp;will be holding the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) heads of state summit on September 16-17.&nbsp;

There is no confirmation whether Rajnath Singh will meet with his Chinese counterpart on the sidelines of the SCO meet. Rajnath Singh and Chinese defence minister General Wei Fenghe had met on the sidelines of the SCO meet last year in Moscow&nbsp;that came in the backdrop of Chinese aggression at Line of Actual Control(LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

The last two&nbsp;months have seen two&nbsp;important SCO meetings under Tajikistan's leadership including the SCO National Security Advisor's meet and foreign ministers meet. The SCO foreign minister meet earlier this month saw external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Chinese FM Wang Yi holding a meeting.

During the meet, the Indian side clearly told the Chinese delegation that "unilateral change of status quo is not acceptable" and called for "resolving the remaining issues along the LAC in eastern Ladakh at the earliest", according to the readout by the ministry of external affairs.

SCO as a grouping occupies 60 per cent of the Eurasian continent, which is over 34 million square kilometres with a population of over 3 billion -- that is almost half of the world's population.

Mongolia, Belarus, Afghanistan&nbsp;and Iran are its observers in the grouping, while, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Cambodia, Nepal&nbsp;and Sri Lanka have&nbsp;dialogue partner status.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh will be leaving for Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe on Tuesday to participate in Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's Defence Ministers meet.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh will be leaving for Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe on Tuesday to participate in Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's Defence Ministers meet. Wednesday will be the main day of engagement which will include a joint call on by SCO defence ministers with Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon. Tajikistan is chair of the grouping which has eight member states - Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and four central Asian countries - Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Tajikistan will be holding the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) heads of state summit on September 16-17. There is no confirmation whether Rajnath Singh will meet with his Chinese counterpart on the sidelines of the SCO meet. Rajnath Singh and Chinese defence minister General Wei Fenghe had met on the sidelines of the SCO meet last year in Moscow that came in the backdrop of Chinese aggression at Line of Actual Control(LAC) in eastern Ladakh. The last two months have seen two important SCO meetings under Tajikistan's leadership including the SCO National Security Advisor's meet and foreign ministers meet. The SCO foreign minister meet earlier this month saw external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and Chinese FM Wang Yi holding a meeting. During the meet, the Indian side clearly told the Chinese delegation that "unilateral change of status quo is not acceptable" and called for "resolving the remaining issues along the LAC in eastern Ladakh at the earliest", according to the readout by the ministry of external affairs. SCO as a grouping occupies 60 per cent of the Eurasian continent, which is over 34 million square kilometres with a population of over 3 billion -- that is almost half of the world's population. Mongolia, Belarus, Afghanistan and Iran are its observers in the grouping, while, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Cambodia, Nepal and Sri Lanka have dialogue partner status.

Rajnath Singh to visit Tajikistan for SCO defence ministers meet

After the talks, Jaishankar said he highlighted that unilateral change of status quo was not acceptable to India and that both sides agreed on convening an early meeting of the senior military commanders.

S. Jaishankar meets Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Dushanbe

"Peace negotiations in earnest is the only answer. An acceptable compromise that reflects Doha process, Moscow format and Istanbul process is essential. The future of Afghanistan cannot be its past. A whole new generation has different expectations. We should not let them down,’’ Jaishankar said at the meeting.

Peace negotiation only answer, says Jaishankar at SCO meeting

The foreign ministers of India, Pakistan & China will come face-to-face at an SCO meeting in Tajikistan. The meeting comes ahead of a revelation by Afghan VP that Pakistan is helping Taliban forces.

Gravitas: India, Pak & China to come face-to-face at SCO

Afghanistan will be the key focus with SCO-Afghanistan FMs meet to happen on 14th July. Tajikistan is chair of the grouping which has 8 member states--Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and 4 central Asian countries--Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to be on Central Asia visit this week

Tajikistan will be holding the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) heads of state&nbsp;summit&nbsp;on&nbsp;September&nbsp;16-17&nbsp;in&nbsp;the capital&nbsp;Dushanbe, the country's&nbsp;president&nbsp;Emomali&nbsp;Rahmon&nbsp;has announced.&nbsp;

Tajikistan is chair of the grouping which has eight&nbsp;member states - Russia, China,&nbsp;India, Pakistan, and four&nbsp;central Asian countries - Tajikistan, &nbsp;Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan.

Speaking to Khovar National News Agency,&nbsp;President&nbsp;Rahmon while pointing&nbsp;out the key focus areas said,"The main task is to strengthen the potential and&nbsp;international position of our organization" and amid the COVID-19&nbsp;pandemic "it is extremely important to build up trade and economic cooperation within the&nbsp;SCO&nbsp;space."

Ahead of the&nbsp;summit&nbsp;in&nbsp;September, a number of meetings between ministers of foreign affairs, defense, justice, finance, healthcare&nbsp;of&nbsp;SCO&nbsp;member states are scheduled. Last month,&nbsp;SCO&nbsp;NSAs had met&nbsp;in&nbsp;Dushanbe. The first meetings of the ministers of&nbsp;industry and energy of the&nbsp;SCO&nbsp;member states is scheduled to be held&nbsp;in&nbsp;Dushanbe&nbsp;in&nbsp;July and August of this year.

On the issue of terror, he said, it is necessary "to promote the joint purposeful work to combat global threats and security challenges. The issues of cybercrime and countering the spread of various radical ideologies, especially among young people, require special attention."&nbsp;SCO&nbsp;Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) on one such group&nbsp;in&nbsp;the body working on counter-terror policies.

Tajikistan, as the chair, will also focus on hydropower, as one of the ways&nbsp;in&nbsp;dealing with climate change.

The&nbsp;president&nbsp;said, "The joint use of&nbsp;Tajikistan's immense hydropower potential will significantly&nbsp;increase the level of energy supply to the countries of the region, reduce the cost of its production, reduce the damage to the environment,&nbsp;including by limiting the volume of carbon dioxide emissions&nbsp;into the atmosphere.".&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tajikistan has 13,000 glaciers and about 1,000 rivers, which form more than 60 per cent of Central Asia's water resources.

SCO&nbsp;as a grouping occupies 60 per cent of the Eurasian continent&nbsp;which is over 34 million square kilometres on which 3 billion people&nbsp;reside accounting for&nbsp;almost half of the world's population.

Mongolia, Belarus, Afghanistan, and Iran are the&nbsp;observers&nbsp;in&nbsp;the grouping, while&nbsp;Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Cambodia, Nepal&nbsp;and Sri Lanka have received dialogue partner status.

Tajikistan will be holding the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) heads of state summit on September 16-17 in the capital Dushanbe, the country's president Emomali Rahmon has announced.

Tajikistan will be holding the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) heads of state summit on September 16-17 in the capital Dushanbe, the country's president Emomali Rahmon has announced. Tajikistan is chair of the grouping which has eight member states - Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and four central Asian countries - Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan. Speaking to Khovar National News Agency, President Rahmon while pointing out the key focus areas said,"The main task is to strengthen the potential and international position of our organization" and amid the COVID-19 pandemic "it is extremely important to build up trade and economic cooperation within the SCO space." Ahead of the summit in September, a number of meetings between ministers of foreign affairs, defense, justice, finance, healthcare of SCO member states are scheduled. Last month, SCO NSAs had met in Dushanbe. The first meetings of the ministers of industry and energy of the SCO member states is scheduled to be held in Dushanbe in July and August of this year. On the issue of terror, he said, it is necessary "to promote the joint purposeful work to combat global threats and security challenges. The issues of cybercrime and countering the spread of various radical ideologies, especially among young people, require special attention." SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) on one such group in the body working on counter-terror policies. Tajikistan, as the chair, will also focus on hydropower, as one of the ways in dealing with climate change. The president said, "The joint use of Tajikistan's immense hydropower potential will significantly increase the level of energy supply to the countries of the region, reduce the cost of its production, reduce the damage to the environment, including by limiting the volume of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.". Tajikistan has 13,000 glaciers and about 1,000 rivers, which form more than 60 per cent of Central Asia's water resources. SCO as a grouping occupies 60 per cent of the Eurasian continent which is over 34 million square kilometres on which 3 billion people reside accounting for almost half of the world's population. Mongolia, Belarus, Afghanistan, and Iran are the observers in the grouping, while Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Cambodia, Nepal and Sri Lanka have received dialogue partner status.

SCO summit in September in Dushanbe: Tajik President Emomali Rahmon

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has proposed an "action plan" against Pakistan-based terror groups like Lashkar-e-Tayyeba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) NSAs meet on Wednesday.

The action to be taken on these terror groups has been proposed under SCO framework.

LeT and JeM has been responsible for many terror attacks in India, especially in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. JeM, created with the support of Pakistan spy agency, was responsible for the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 Indian soldiers died.

During the meet, which was also attended by Pakistan NSA Moeed Yusuf, Indian side also called for full implementation of UN resolutions and targetted sanctions against UN-designated terrorist individuals and entities.

Pakistan hosts one of the largest number of UN listed international terrorists. It has been seen to have been lax on efforts to bring them to book, so much so that Islamabad even applied for 'pensions' for listed terrorist like Hafiz Saeed. Saeed is the founder of LeT.

During the in-person meet in Tajik Capital Dushanbe, Indian NSA "strongly condemned terrorism in all forms and manifestations", sources said, pointing out that "perpetrators of terrorism including cross-border terror attacks should be expeditiously brought to justice."

More than a decade after the 26/11 terror attacks, Pakistan still has to act the perpetrators who are inside the country.

Interestingly, India also emphasised on adoption of international standards to counter terror financing including an MOU between SCO and Financial Action Task Force (FATF). It is an anti-terror-financing body.&nbsp;

The NSA underlined that in order to effectively combat terrorism, we need to monitor new technologies used by terrorists. This included use of drones and misuse of dark web, artificial intelligence, blockchain and social media.

During the meet, he highlighted connectivity projects like Chahbahar, INSTC, regional air corridors which are leading to "economic gains and building trust" but pointed out that "connectivity must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity".&nbsp;

China's mega infrastructure programme China Pakistan Economic Corridor or CPEC passes through Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. This has been a cause of concern for New Delhi, which has consistently raised matter with Beijing.

On Afghanistan, Doval called the need to preserve gains made in last two decades in Afghanistan and give top priority to welfare of its people &amp; extended full support to SCO Contact Group on Afghanistan, "which should be more active."

At the SCO meet, Doval had over 2 hours long meeting with Russian NSA Nikolai Patrushev during which issues of mutual interest were discussed.

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has proposed an "action plan" against Pakistan-based terror groups like Lashkar-e-Tayyeba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) NSAs meet on Wednesday.

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has proposed an "action plan" against Pakistan-based terror groups like Lashkar-e-Tayyeba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) NSAs meet on Wednesday. The action to be taken on these terror groups has been proposed under SCO framework. LeT and JeM has been responsible for many terror attacks in India, especially in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. JeM, created with the support of Pakistan spy agency, was responsible for the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 Indian soldiers died. During the meet, which was also attended by Pakistan NSA Moeed Yusuf, Indian side also called for full implementation of UN resolutions and targetted sanctions against UN-designated terrorist individuals and entities. Pakistan hosts one of the largest number of UN listed international terrorists. It has been seen to have been lax on efforts to bring them to book, so much so that Islamabad even applied for 'pensions' for listed terrorist like Hafiz Saeed. Saeed is the founder of LeT. During the in-person meet in Tajik Capital Dushanbe, Indian NSA "strongly condemned terrorism in all forms and manifestations", sources said, pointing out that "perpetrators of terrorism including cross-border terror attacks should be expeditiously brought to justice." More than a decade after the 26/11 terror attacks, Pakistan still has to act the perpetrators who are inside the country. Interestingly, India also emphasised on adoption of international standards to counter terror financing including an MOU between SCO and Financial Action Task Force (FATF). It is an anti-terror-financing body. The NSA underlined that in order to effectively combat terrorism, we need to monitor new technologies used by terrorists. This included use of drones and misuse of dark web, artificial intelligence, blockchain and social media. During the meet, he highlighted connectivity projects like Chahbahar, INSTC, regional air corridors which are leading to "economic gains and building trust" but pointed out that "connectivity must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity". China's mega infrastructure programme China Pakistan Economic Corridor or CPEC passes through Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. This has been a cause of concern for New Delhi, which has consistently raised matter with Beijing. On Afghanistan, Doval called the need to preserve gains made in last two decades in Afghanistan and give top priority to welfare of its people & extended full support to SCO Contact Group on Afghanistan, "which should be more active." At the SCO meet, Doval had over 2 hours long meeting with Russian NSA Nikolai Patrushev during which issues of mutual interest were discussed.

NSA Ajit Doval proposes action against Pakistan terror groups at SCO meet

Reiterating its stance yet again, India refused to extend support to China's mega connectivity project OBOR or One Belt One Road initiative at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO. India was the only country in the 8 member grouping, which refused to support the project that has often been in news for its lack of transparency and whooping cost for the host country.

The joint communique after India hosted SCO Heads of Government meet said, "The Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan, reaffirming their support for China’s "One Belt, One Road” (OBOR) Initiative (BRI)."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/factually-incorrect-and-unwarranted-india-hits-out-at-islamic-nations-for-pak-sponsored-references-to-kashmir-in-oic-resolutions-346358">‘Factually incorrect and unwarranted’: India hits out at Islamic Nations for Pak-sponsored references to Kashmir in OIC resolutions</a>

At previous SCO meets, India has stayed away from supporting OBOR. India had become a member of the Beijing headquartered grouping in 2017.&nbsp;

A key portion of One Belt One Road is the CPEC or China Pakistan economic corridor, which passes through PoK or Pakistani occupied Kashmir. New Delhi has several times protested against it with Beijing on OBOR being violative of territorial integrity and asked them to cease such activities.

New Delhi, at various forums, has also highlighted that connectivity projects should "follow principles of openness, transparency and financial responsibility".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-can-china-afford-to-be-so-aggressive-346554">WATCH|</a>

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OBOR has led to debt issues in many countries and has been associated with China's debt diplomacy, given its financial impact on many countries who have joined it. &nbsp;A European Commission report of March 2019 titled ‘EU-China- A Strategic Outlook’ has pointed out how Chinese investments in third countries have neglected socioeconomic and financial sustainability and may result in high-level indebtedness. In some cases, it may also lead to the transfer of control over strategic assets and resources.

Reiterating its stance yet again, India refused to extend support to China's mega connectivity project OBOR or One Belt One Road initiative at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO.

Reiterating its stance yet again, India refused to extend support to China's mega connectivity project OBOR or One Belt One Road initiative at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO. India was the only country in the 8 member grouping, which refused to support the project that has often been in news for its lack of transparency and whooping cost for the host country. The joint communique after India hosted SCO Heads of Government meet said, "The Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan, reaffirming their support for China’s "One Belt, One Road” (OBOR) Initiative (BRI)." Also read | ‘Factually incorrect and unwarranted’: India hits out at Islamic Nations for Pak-sponsored references to Kashmir in OIC resolutions At previous SCO meets, India has stayed away from supporting OBOR. India had become a member of the Beijing headquartered grouping in 2017. A key portion of One Belt One Road is the CPEC or China Pakistan economic corridor, which passes through PoK or Pakistani occupied Kashmir. New Delhi has several times protested against it with Beijing on OBOR being violative of territorial integrity and asked them to cease such activities. New Delhi, at various forums, has also highlighted that connectivity projects should "follow principles of openness, transparency and financial responsibility". WATCH| × OBOR has led to debt issues in many countries and has been associated with China's debt diplomacy, given its financial impact on many countries who have joined it. A European Commission report of March 2019 titled ‘EU-China- A Strategic Outlook’ has pointed out how Chinese investments in third countries have neglected socioeconomic and financial sustainability and may result in high-level indebtedness. In some cases, it may also lead to the transfer of control over strategic assets and resources.

Reiterating stance, India refuses to support China's mega connectivity project at SCO

Vice-President of India Venkaiah Naidu said during his address at the SCO council of heads meeting that India condemned all forms of terrorism.

India hosts SCO heads of govt meet; PM Modi & Pak PM Imran Khan skips the meet

India strongly raised the issue of cross border terrorism from Pakistan and attempts to raise the bilateral issue at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) heads of government meet.

India's vice president Venkaiah Naidu said, "The most important challenge faced by us in the region is terrorism, particularly cross-border terrorism. Terrorism is truly the enemy of humanity. It is a scourge we need to collectively combat."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-and-imran-khan-to-skip-meeting-of-sco-heads-346423" hreflang="en">PM Modi and Imran khan to skip meeting of SCO heads</a>

Pointing at Pakistan Naidu explained, "We remain concerned about threats emerging from ungoverned spaces and are particularly concerned about States that leverage terrorism as an instrument of state policy. Such an approach is entirely against the spirit and ideals and the Charter of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization."

This is the first time since India became a member of the SCO in 2017, that it hosted such a large meet of SCO leaders. It was expected to take place physically but took place virtually due to the COVID pandemic.

India's Vice President also raise the issue of Pakistan trying to raise bilateral issues at the grouping. He said, "It is unfortunate to note that there have been attempts to deliberately bring bilateral issues into SCO and blatantly violate the well-established principles and norms of SCO Charter safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of SCO Member States."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-appreciates-scientists-efforts-to-come-out-with-vaccine-solution-to-combat-covid-19-346419" hreflang="en">PM Modi appreciates scientists' efforts to come out with vaccine solution to combat COVID-19</a>

Pakistani NSA earlier this year, sat in SCO virtual meet with a map of Pakistan which showed incorrect boundaries of India, irking New Delhi. In fact, Russia, which is the host of the grouping this year, also said, bilateral matters should not be raised at the body.

Meanwhile, COVID also remained a key focus of New Delhi, which highlighted how it has "been at the forefront of producing quality medicines and vaccines at low cost."

But Naidu also called for, "much needed reforms to our global institutions, including WHO, and rework our development strategies to face a post-COVID-19 world."

World Health Organisation or WHO has been at found missing when the pandemic broke towards the end of 2019, for which it has been criticised.

India offered to annually host the Special Working Group on Startups and Innovation and also the SCO Startup Forum. On the shared cultural front, India earlier on Monday inaugurated an Exhibition on Buddhist Heritage of SCO Member States in a virtual format, hosted by the National Museum of India.

India strongly raised the issue of cross border terrorism from Pakistan and attempts to raise the bilateral issue at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) heads of government meet.

India strongly raised the issue of cross border terrorism from Pakistan and attempts to raise the bilateral issue at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) heads of government meet. India's vice president Venkaiah Naidu said, "The most important challenge faced by us in the region is terrorism, particularly cross-border terrorism. Terrorism is truly the enemy of humanity. It is a scourge we need to collectively combat." Also read| PM Modi and Imran khan to skip meeting of SCO heads Pointing at Pakistan Naidu explained, "We remain concerned about threats emerging from ungoverned spaces and are particularly concerned about States that leverage terrorism as an instrument of state policy. Such an approach is entirely against the spirit and ideals and the Charter of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization." This is the first time since India became a member of the SCO in 2017, that it hosted such a large meet of SCO leaders. It was expected to take place physically but took place virtually due to the COVID pandemic. India's Vice President also raise the issue of Pakistan trying to raise bilateral issues at the grouping. He said, "It is unfortunate to note that there have been attempts to deliberately bring bilateral issues into SCO and blatantly violate the well-established principles and norms of SCO Charter safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of SCO Member States." Also read| PM Modi appreciates scientists' efforts to come out with vaccine solution to combat COVID-19 Pakistani NSA earlier this year, sat in SCO virtual meet with a map of Pakistan which showed incorrect boundaries of India, irking New Delhi. In fact, Russia, which is the host of the grouping this year, also said, bilateral matters should not be raised at the body. Meanwhile, COVID also remained a key focus of New Delhi, which highlighted how it has "been at the forefront of producing quality medicines and vaccines at low cost." But Naidu also called for, "much needed reforms to our global institutions, including WHO, and rework our development strategies to face a post-COVID-19 world." World Health Organisation or WHO has been at found missing when the pandemic broke towards the end of 2019, for which it has been criticised. India offered to annually host the Special Working Group on Startups and Innovation and also the SCO Startup Forum. On the shared cultural front, India earlier on Monday inaugurated an Exhibition on Buddhist Heritage of SCO Member States in a virtual format, hosted by the National Museum of India.

Cross border terror from Pakistan, reforms at WHO top focus of India at SCO meet

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan are going to skip the forthcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) heads of government meeting on Monday.&nbsp;

India's Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu will chair the 19th meeting of the council of the heads of government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states. The summit is held every year at the level of prime ministers and deals mainly with the trade and economic agenda of the SCO.

PM Modi, Khan and Chinese President Xi Jinping had joined the virtual SCO summit, chaired by Russia earlier this month.&nbsp;

The prime ministers of Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will attend the summit of the heads of government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation while Pakistan will be represented by its parliamentary secretary for foreign affairs, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said.

SCO has 8 member states and 4 observer states. Pakistan, which is a member of SCO will be represented by its Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs.

The other three observer states will be represented too. Afghanistan will be represented by its President Ashraf Ghani, Iran by its First Vice President and Mongolia by its Deputy Prime Minister.

A statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs said, "India considers the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as an important regional organization to promote cooperation in the areas of peace, security, trade, economy and culture. India is committed to widening our cooperation with SCO by playing a proactive, positive and constructive role in the organization."

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan are going to skip the forthcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) heads of government meeting on Monday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan are going to skip the forthcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) heads of government meeting on Monday. India's Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu will chair the 19th meeting of the council of the heads of government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states. The summit is held every year at the level of prime ministers and deals mainly with the trade and economic agenda of the SCO. PM Modi, Khan and Chinese President Xi Jinping had joined the virtual SCO summit, chaired by Russia earlier this month. The prime ministers of Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will attend the summit of the heads of government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation while Pakistan will be represented by its parliamentary secretary for foreign affairs, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said. SCO has 8 member states and 4 observer states. Pakistan, which is a member of SCO will be represented by its Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs. The other three observer states will be represented too. Afghanistan will be represented by its President Ashraf Ghani, Iran by its First Vice President and Mongolia by its Deputy Prime Minister. A statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs said, "India considers the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as an important regional organization to promote cooperation in the areas of peace, security, trade, economy and culture. India is committed to widening our cooperation with SCO by playing a proactive, positive and constructive role in the organization." (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi and Imran khan to skip meeting of SCO heads

India will on Monday host Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) heads of governments virtually. The virtual meet will see participation of 7 Prime Ministers -- 6 from the member states of SCO (Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan) and one from observer member Belarus.

SCO has 8 member states and 4 observer states. Pakistan, which is a member of SCO will be represented by its Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is giving the meet a miss.

The other three observer states will be represented too. Afghanistan will be represented by its President Ashraf Ghani, Iran by its First Vice President and Mongolia by its Deputy Prime Minister.

A statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs said,"​India considers the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as an important regional organization to promote cooperation in the areas of peace, security, trade, economy and culture. India is committed to widening our cooperation with SCO by playing a proactive, positive and constructive role in the organization."

India has invited Turkmenistan as a special guest. The country and will be represented by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers. SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov, Executive Director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), Chairmen of the SCO Business Council and the SCO Interbank Association will also be present.

The challenge of COVID-19 pandemic, shared Buddhist connect will be the top focus of India at the meet. 
On that day itself, first-ever SCO Digital Exhibition on Shared Buddhist Heritage by the National Museum will be inaugurated.

This is the first time India is hosting such a meeting of the SCO, with India's Vice President Venkaiah Naidu chairing it. The year 2020 marks 15-years of India's formal association with SCO. New Delhi became a full member of the Beijing headquartered grouping in 2017. Earlier, India had the status of an observer.

The November 30 summit will end with the adoption of the joint communique that will contain major proposals from member states on issues of trade and economic cooperation under the chairmanship of India. The SCO summit of Heads of Governments also decides the strategies and priorities for trade and economic cooperation for the next year.

Earlier this year, India hosted virtual meetings of the SCO ministers responsible for external economy and foreign trade and SCO Ministers for Justice.

India will on Monday host Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) heads of governments virtually. The virtual meet will see participation of 7 Prime Ministers -- 6 from the member states of SCO (Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan) and one from observer member Belarus.

India will on Monday host Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) heads of governments virtually. The virtual meet will see participation of 7 Prime Ministers -- 6 from the member states of SCO (Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan) and one from observer member Belarus. SCO has 8 member states and 4 observer states. Pakistan, which is a member of SCO will be represented by its Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is giving the meet a miss. The other three observer states will be represented too. Afghanistan will be represented by its President Ashraf Ghani, Iran by its First Vice President and Mongolia by its Deputy Prime Minister. A statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs said,"India considers the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as an important regional organization to promote cooperation in the areas of peace, security, trade, economy and culture. India is committed to widening our cooperation with SCO by playing a proactive, positive and constructive role in the organization." India has invited Turkmenistan as a special guest. The country and will be represented by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers. SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov, Executive Director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), Chairmen of the SCO Business Council and the SCO Interbank Association will also be present. The challenge of COVID-19 pandemic, shared Buddhist connect will be the top focus of India at the meet. On that day itself, first-ever SCO Digital Exhibition on Shared Buddhist Heritage by the National Museum will be inaugurated. This is the first time India is hosting such a meeting of the SCO, with India's Vice President Venkaiah Naidu chairing it. The year 2020 marks 15-years of India's formal association with SCO. New Delhi became a full member of the Beijing headquartered grouping in 2017. Earlier, India had the status of an observer. The November 30 summit will end with the adoption of the joint communique that will contain major proposals from member states on issues of trade and economic cooperation under the chairmanship of India. The SCO summit of Heads of Governments also decides the strategies and priorities for trade and economic cooperation for the next year. Earlier this year, India hosted virtual meetings of the SCO ministers responsible for external economy and foreign trade and SCO Ministers for Justice.

India to host 7 PMs in SCO heads of governments meeting

India is all set to host the virtual summit of the SCO Heads of the Government on November 30, in which Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is expected to participate. 
&nbsp; 
Surprisingly, within three years of joining, India is seeking integration with the organisation considered as arch-rival of the United States. India ardently participated in a series of SCO's annual activities except in this year's military exercise "Kavkaz 2020" citing the pandemic related constraints. 
&nbsp; 
Twenty years in, the SCO isn't an effective regional powerhouse as yet. But, given the current conflation of global economic uncertainty, and against the Chinese assertion, the SCO is a useful platform for India to espouse its strategic autonomy in the global affairs.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The charters of the SCO are less confrontational and the decisions are consensus-based. Considering India's profile and benign image, the forum is well suited to play a balancing role vis-à-vis its ties with the U.S while simultaneously keeping China's regional ambitions in check.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
It's obviously in no one's interest to let Eurasia once again becoming a chessboard of great game rivalries or a hub of terrorism and extremism. India’s persistent strong voice to combat terrorist networks is already having a region-wide positive effect. An urge in Central Asia to deepen and expand its regional autonomy vis-à-vis Russia and China cannot be simply ignored by India.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
First, New Delhi should use the summit to restore the SCO’s original commitment to function in compliance with its basic Principles and Charters, which has been eroded by some member states while repeatedly dragging bilateral issues in the agenda. 
&nbsp; 
Second, in view of the dramatic weakening of global governance amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, India should use the SCO platform as a test-bed for promoting its development model. Interestingly, at the 19th SCO summit, PM Modi presented a new template for cooperation i.e. in healthcare, economic cooperation, alternative energy, literature, and culture, terrorism-free society, and humanitarian cooperation.

They form a part of his vision of building a "Self-reliant India" in the post-pandemic world. And, if the national capacity-building efforts are clubbed with economic multilateralism, they will prove to be a force multiplier for the global economic recovery. This needs no binary great-power politics. India's Covid-19 relief diplomacy is a success. Its pharma-industry has helped more than 150 countries with essential medicines to save humanity. 
&nbsp; 
In the next stage, India’s massive role in the manufacturing and delivery of vaccines would greatly shape the post-pandemic world order. As for the SCO, a credit line of $1 billion has just been announced by India for stabilizing the sanitary and epidemiological situation in Central Asia.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
In Moscow, there appeared a near congruence of interests between India, China, and Russia to address the pandemic crisis.&nbsp; 
Incidentally, both PM Modi and President Xi shared an identical view on the unique value of traditional medicine in the battle against COVID-19 – hence the need for learning from each other.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
When President Xi called for establishing an SCO community of cultural exchanges, PM Modi gave outright support to celebrate the 20th anniversary of SCO next year as "SCO Culture Year" where New Delhi would show-case its shared global Buddhist heritage. That’s fresh! 
&nbsp; 
Third, some member states are trying to keep India out of the Eurasian regional synergy. This may perhaps not work. PM Modithis time brilliantly evoked from the past when he said "India shared centuries of enduring historical and cultural bonds with Eurasia”, for he also reminded that “our ancestors kept them alive with their untiring and persistent contacts.”So far, such a sentiment was often heard from the Chinese pronouncement.&nbsp;

Clearly, as in the past when Eurasia played a springboard role for globalizing Indian civilization, New Delhi should find this time a new destiny to recouple with the region. Of course, after having invested a lot in the International North-South Transport Corridor, Chabahar Port, and Ashgabat Agreements, India cannot leave out its regional connectivity aspirations. Geopolitical hurdles are created but the states need to adhere to the SCO’s core principles of respecting one another's sovereignty and territorial integrity.&nbsp;

Interestingly, during the COVID-19 repatriation flights, the Indian civil aviation industry discovered a huge potential market in Eurasia – hitherto unexplored. The industry seems developing a portfolio of traffic routes (air-corridor) and cargo-network into the Eurasian market similar to the one that transports Afghan products to New Delhi and Mumbai. 
&nbsp; 
Fourth and importantly, after a thirty years gap of lost opportunity, New Delhi appears serious about pursuing a substantive trade and economic agenda with the region under the SCO agenda. India has already advised SCO countries to give a clarion call to leverage their economic strength to boost trade and investment that would ensure speedy economic recovery from the pandemic crisis. 
&nbsp; 
Recently, India has shown willingness to share its unique startup ecosystem, based on ‘creativity, innovation, and disruption’ that would help foster mutual innovation, promoting trade, and providing market access among the SCO countries. 
&nbsp; 
Fifth, with the weakening of the effectiveness of global governance amidst the pandemic, India is likely to push for radical reforms in multilateral institutions including in the United Nations. There are other global challenges such as climate change and terrorism that is being overlooked. India should be using the SCO to tackle these impending issues.&nbsp;

Seventh, there cannot be any let-down on India focus on voicing against terrorism, illegal arms proliferation, drugs, and money laundering. Possibly, terrorists would be seeking fresh opportunities to exploit the pandemic for disruption, recruit more people, and propagate extremist ideology. 
&nbsp; 
Finally, the utility of the SCO platform to hold bilateral meetings on the side-lines is now being denied by the coronavirus. Premier Li Keqiang’s presence should be utilized to push for redefining India’s economic agenda with China, especially if the two can forge a common agenda in Eurasia. 
&nbsp; 
To be sure and rhetoric apart, member states will continue to follow the bilateral arrangements. Being an inherently fragile grouping, the interests of Russia and China differ. The positions of others also fluctuate in line with their interests. It is, therefore, best to build on bilateral leverages, for the Central Asian states instinctively carry lots of expectations from India. They are sensitive and also pragmatic. They would start comparing India with China in terms of performances. If nothing else, the limited immediate benefits of joining SCO will be more than compensated for by improved bilateral cooperation with them.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do&nbsp;not represent the views of&nbsp;WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse&nbsp;the views of the writer)

India is all set to host the virtual summit of the SCO Heads of the Government on November 30, in which Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is expected to participate. Surprisingly, within three years of joining, India is seeking integration with the organisation considered as arch-rival of the United States.

India is all set to host the virtual summit of the SCO Heads of the Government on November 30, in which Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is expected to participate. Surprisingly, within three years of joining, India is seeking integration with the organisation considered as arch-rival of the United States. India ardently participated in a series of SCO's annual activities except in this year's military exercise "Kavkaz 2020" citing the pandemic related constraints. Twenty years in, the SCO isn't an effective regional powerhouse as yet. But, given the current conflation of global economic uncertainty, and against the Chinese assertion, the SCO is a useful platform for India to espouse its strategic autonomy in the global affairs. The charters of the SCO are less confrontational and the decisions are consensus-based. Considering India's profile and benign image, the forum is well suited to play a balancing role vis-à-vis its ties with the U.S while simultaneously keeping China's regional ambitions in check. It's obviously in no one's interest to let Eurasia once again becoming a chessboard of great game rivalries or a hub of terrorism and extremism. India’s persistent strong voice to combat terrorist networks is already having a region-wide positive effect. An urge in Central Asia to deepen and expand its regional autonomy vis-à-vis Russia and China cannot be simply ignored by India. First, New Delhi should use the summit to restore the SCO’s original commitment to function in compliance with its basic Principles and Charters, which has been eroded by some member states while repeatedly dragging bilateral issues in the agenda. Second, in view of the dramatic weakening of global governance amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, India should use the SCO platform as a test-bed for promoting its development model. Interestingly, at the 19th SCO summit, PM Modi presented a new template for cooperation i.e. in healthcare, economic cooperation, alternative energy, literature, and culture, terrorism-free society, and humanitarian cooperation. They form a part of his vision of building a "Self-reliant India" in the post-pandemic world. And, if the national capacity-building efforts are clubbed with economic multilateralism, they will prove to be a force multiplier for the global economic recovery. This needs no binary great-power politics. India's Covid-19 relief diplomacy is a success. Its pharma-industry has helped more than 150 countries with essential medicines to save humanity. In the next stage, India’s massive role in the manufacturing and delivery of vaccines would greatly shape the post-pandemic world order. As for the SCO, a credit line of $1 billion has just been announced by India for stabilizing the sanitary and epidemiological situation in Central Asia. In Moscow, there appeared a near congruence of interests between India, China, and Russia to address the pandemic crisis. Incidentally, both PM Modi and President Xi shared an identical view on the unique value of traditional medicine in the battle against COVID-19 – hence the need for learning from each other. When President Xi called for establishing an SCO community of cultural exchanges, PM Modi gave outright support to celebrate the 20th anniversary of SCO next year as "SCO Culture Year" where New Delhi would show-case its shared global Buddhist heritage. That’s fresh! Third, some member states are trying to keep India out of the Eurasian regional synergy. This may perhaps not work. PM Modithis time brilliantly evoked from the past when he said "India shared centuries of enduring historical and cultural bonds with Eurasia”, for he also reminded that “our ancestors kept them alive with their untiring and persistent contacts.”So far, such a sentiment was often heard from the Chinese pronouncement. Clearly, as in the past when Eurasia played a springboard role for globalizing Indian civilization, New Delhi should find this time a new destiny to recouple with the region. Of course, after having invested a lot in the International North-South Transport Corridor, Chabahar Port, and Ashgabat Agreements, India cannot leave out its regional connectivity aspirations. Geopolitical hurdles are created but the states need to adhere to the SCO’s core principles of respecting one another's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Interestingly, during the COVID-19 repatriation flights, the Indian civil aviation industry discovered a huge potential market in Eurasia – hitherto unexplored. The industry seems developing a portfolio of traffic routes (air-corridor) and cargo-network into the Eurasian market similar to the one that transports Afghan products to New Delhi and Mumbai. Fourth and importantly, after a thirty years gap of lost opportunity, New Delhi appears serious about pursuing a substantive trade and economic agenda with the region under the SCO agenda. India has already advised SCO countries to give a clarion call to leverage their economic strength to boost trade and investment that would ensure speedy economic recovery from the pandemic crisis. Recently, India has shown willingness to share its unique startup ecosystem, based on ‘creativity, innovation, and disruption’ that would help foster mutual innovation, promoting trade, and providing market access among the SCO countries. Fifth, with the weakening of the effectiveness of global governance amidst the pandemic, India is likely to push for radical reforms in multilateral institutions including in the United Nations. There are other global challenges such as climate change and terrorism that is being overlooked. India should be using the SCO to tackle these impending issues. Seventh, there cannot be any let-down on India focus on voicing against terrorism, illegal arms proliferation, drugs, and money laundering. Possibly, terrorists would be seeking fresh opportunities to exploit the pandemic for disruption, recruit more people, and propagate extremist ideology. Finally, the utility of the SCO platform to hold bilateral meetings on the side-lines is now being denied by the coronavirus. Premier Li Keqiang’s presence should be utilized to push for redefining India’s economic agenda with China, especially if the two can forge a common agenda in Eurasia. To be sure and rhetoric apart, member states will continue to follow the bilateral arrangements. Being an inherently fragile grouping, the interests of Russia and China differ. The positions of others also fluctuate in line with their interests. It is, therefore, best to build on bilateral leverages, for the Central Asian states instinctively carry lots of expectations from India. They are sensitive and also pragmatic. They would start comparing India with China in terms of performances. If nothing else, the limited immediate benefits of joining SCO will be more than compensated for by improved bilateral cooperation with them. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

India needs to provide fresh impetus to SCO

India will highlight the common Buddhist heritage at the Shanghai cooperation organization heads of government virtual meeting. The meeting will take place on 30th November and India is the host of the meet. New Delhi, as protocol, invited all the member states of SCO--Pakistan, China, Russia, and the 4 central Asian countries Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.&nbsp;

When it comes to SCO countries, from China to Kyrgyzstan to several parts of Russia has a strong Buddhist legacy, cultural and religious impact. Kyrgyzstan has several of its Buddhist cultural heritages being renovated by Japan. 
 
Russia's Kalmykia has a huge population following Buddhism and regard Dalai Lama as their spiritual leader. Buddhism reached China from India in the first century CE. Visit by Chinese Buddhist monk Xuanzang to India in AD 630s has been much talked about. 
&nbsp; 
When it comes to Buddhism, India has been taking a number of steps internationally to signify the shared cultural heritage. India will soon host a major conference on Buddhist studies starting next year that will see the participation of Buddhist scholars from across the world.&nbsp;

Gautama Buddha founder of Buddhism achieved enlightenment in India's Bodh Gaya. The place is visited by thousands of pilgrims from across the world every year.

During the India-Sri Lanka virtual summit, India announced a $15million grant to Sri Lanka to deepening people-to-people linkages between the two countries in the sphere of Buddhism. The grant will be used for the construction and renovation of Buddhist cultural sites in the Indian Ocean country, archaeological cooperation, and the reciprocal study of Lord Buddha’s relics, strengthening of Buddhist scholarship, and supporting the clergy.

With ASEAN, India shares cultural heritage especially Buddhism and sees an increase in tourists from the grouping. Kushinagar's Airport has been designated as an international airport. Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar is the place where it is believed that Buddha attained Parinirvana or death after achieving Nirvana.

India will highlight the common Buddhist heritage at the Shanghai cooperation organization heads of government virtual meeting. The meeting will take place on 30th November and India is the host of the meet.

India will highlight the common Buddhist heritage at the Shanghai cooperation organization heads of government virtual meeting. The meeting will take place on 30th November and India is the host of the meet. New Delhi, as protocol, invited all the member states of SCO--Pakistan, China, Russia, and the 4 central Asian countries Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. When it comes to SCO countries, from China to Kyrgyzstan to several parts of Russia has a strong Buddhist legacy, cultural and religious impact. Kyrgyzstan has several of its Buddhist cultural heritages being renovated by Japan. Russia's Kalmykia has a huge population following Buddhism and regard Dalai Lama as their spiritual leader. Buddhism reached China from India in the first century CE. Visit by Chinese Buddhist monk Xuanzang to India in AD 630s has been much talked about. When it comes to Buddhism, India has been taking a number of steps internationally to signify the shared cultural heritage. India will soon host a major conference on Buddhist studies starting next year that will see the participation of Buddhist scholars from across the world. Gautama Buddha founder of Buddhism achieved enlightenment in India's Bodh Gaya. The place is visited by thousands of pilgrims from across the world every year. During the India-Sri Lanka virtual summit, India announced a $15million grant to Sri Lanka to deepening people-to-people linkages between the two countries in the sphere of Buddhism. The grant will be used for the construction and renovation of Buddhist cultural sites in the Indian Ocean country, archaeological cooperation, and the reciprocal study of Lord Buddha’s relics, strengthening of Buddhist scholarship, and supporting the clergy. With ASEAN, India shares cultural heritage especially Buddhism and sees an increase in tourists from the grouping. Kushinagar's Airport has been designated as an international airport. Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar is the place where it is believed that Buddha attained Parinirvana or death after achieving Nirvana.

India to highlight common Buddhist heritage at SCO heads of Govt meet 

Russia has supported India that bilateral matter should not be raised at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) forum. The development comes after Pakistan has been attempting to raise India-Pakistan matters at the Beijing Headquartered organization.

Russian Deputy Envoy to Delhi, Roman N Babushkin in response to WION question said, “This is a part of SCO charter and SCO basic documents not to bring the bilateral issue into the agenda. It has been made clear to all members states that it should be avoided...for the sake of the progress of multilateral cooperation."

Adding, "The importance of SCO is to deal with regional challenges, to promote economic, financial, humanitarian partnership among member states in order to keep the momentum...we not interfere in bilateral issues despite such kind of India Pakistan... Our position remains consistent and unchanged. We hope such kind of instances will not appear."

Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi had also raised the matter at the SCO head of state meeting earlier this week. He said, "It is unfortunate that many attempts are being made to unnecessarily bring bilateral issues into the SCO agenda. This is a violation of SCO charter and Shanghai spirit".

In the run-up to the SCO virtual summit, a number of SCO meetings happened. In the SCO NSA virtual meet, the Pakistani NSA has put a map of Pakistan that violated the territorial integrity of India drawing a strong response from New Delhi.

SCO is a grouping of 8 countries--India, Pakistan, Russia, China, and 4 central Asian countries- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. India will be hosting SCO heads of government virtual meet on 30th November which focus on economic cooperation.

Russia has supported India that bilateral matter should not be raised at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) forum. The development comes after Pakistan has been attempting to raise India-Pakistan matters at the Beijing Headquartered organization.

Russia has supported India that bilateral matter should not be raised at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) forum. The development comes after Pakistan has been attempting to raise India-Pakistan matters at the Beijing Headquartered organization. Russian Deputy Envoy to Delhi, Roman N Babushkin in response to WION question said, “This is a part of SCO charter and SCO basic documents not to bring the bilateral issue into the agenda. It has been made clear to all members states that it should be avoided...for the sake of the progress of multilateral cooperation." Adding, "The importance of SCO is to deal with regional challenges, to promote economic, financial, humanitarian partnership among member states in order to keep the momentum...we not interfere in bilateral issues despite such kind of India Pakistan... Our position remains consistent and unchanged. We hope such kind of instances will not appear." Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi had also raised the matter at the SCO head of state meeting earlier this week. He said, "It is unfortunate that many attempts are being made to unnecessarily bring bilateral issues into the SCO agenda. This is a violation of SCO charter and Shanghai spirit". In the run-up to the SCO virtual summit, a number of SCO meetings happened. In the SCO NSA virtual meet, the Pakistani NSA has put a map of Pakistan that violated the territorial integrity of India drawing a strong response from New Delhi. SCO is a grouping of 8 countries--India, Pakistan, Russia, China, and 4 central Asian countries- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. India will be hosting SCO heads of government virtual meet on 30th November which focus on economic cooperation.

Russia supports India at SCO; says the bilateral matter should not be raised

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called for urgent UN reforms, connectivity, terror at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO) heads of state virtual summit.&nbsp;

He said, "UN completed its 75 years, but despite many successes, the main aim of UN is still incomplete...UN needs reforms. Change is the only constant",

India will be non-permanent of UNSC from first January 2021. He highlighted how amidst the COVID-19&nbsp;crisis, India reached out to 150 countries with anti covid medicines such as HCQ and Paracetamol.&nbsp;

Without taking China's name he said, "international north-south transport corridor, chabahar port, Ashgabat agreement shows India's determination on connectivity. Respecting one another's sovereignty and territorial integrity should be a basic principle while enhancing connectivity"

This is the first time both Indian PM and Chinese President shares the virtual platform even as ties have deteriorated between the 2 countries due to Chinese aggressiveness. 2020 saw the longest standoff between forces of 2 countries at the Line of actual control in year, something that still continues.&nbsp;

Death of 20 Indian soldiers at Galwan in June due to violent action by Chinese forces changed to public opinion to sharply negative against Beijing in India.&nbsp;

On Pakistan, Indian PM said, "It is unfortunate that many attempts are being made to unnecessarily bring bilateral issues into the SCO agenda. This is a violation of SCO charter and Shanghai spirit".

In the run up to the SCO virtual summit, the number of SCO meetings happened. In the SCO NSA meets, Pakistani NSA has put a map of Pakistan that violated the territorial integrity of India drawing strong response by New Delhi.

India will be hosting SCO heads of government virtual meet on 30th November which focus on economic cooperation.&nbsp;

 
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called for urgent UN reforms, connectivity, terror at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO) heads of state virtual summit.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called for urgent UN reforms, connectivity, terror at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO) heads of state virtual summit. He said, "UN completed its 75 years, but despite many successes, the main aim of UN is still incomplete...UN needs reforms. Change is the only constant", India will be non-permanent of UNSC from first January 2021. He highlighted how amidst the COVID-19 crisis, India reached out to 150 countries with anti covid medicines such as HCQ and Paracetamol. Without taking China's name he said, "international north-south transport corridor, chabahar port, Ashgabat agreement shows India's determination on connectivity. Respecting one another's sovereignty and territorial integrity should be a basic principle while enhancing connectivity" This is the first time both Indian PM and Chinese President shares the virtual platform even as ties have deteriorated between the 2 countries due to Chinese aggressiveness. 2020 saw the longest standoff between forces of 2 countries at the Line of actual control in year, something that still continues. Death of 20 Indian soldiers at Galwan in June due to violent action by Chinese forces changed to public opinion to sharply negative against Beijing in India. On Pakistan, Indian PM said, "It is unfortunate that many attempts are being made to unnecessarily bring bilateral issues into the SCO agenda. This is a violation of SCO charter and Shanghai spirit". In the run up to the SCO virtual summit, the number of SCO meetings happened. In the SCO NSA meets, Pakistani NSA has put a map of Pakistan that violated the territorial integrity of India drawing strong response by New Delhi. India will be hosting SCO heads of government virtual meet on 30th November which focus on economic cooperation.

UN reforms, connectivity focus of Indian PM at SCO meet; message for Pak, China

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