External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to lead the Indian delegation at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, next week. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced this on Friday. The summit, scheduled from July 3-4, will see participation from member states of the SCO, with Kazakhstan hosting the event this year.
Kazakhstan has taken over the SCO presidency from India, which hosted the summit virtually in July 2023. Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is this year’s host and has proposed several initiatives, including the establishment of a joint investment fund.
In a recent telephonic conversation with President Tokayev on June 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed full support for the upcoming summit's success in Astana.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral strategic partnerships. Prime Minister Modi expressed confidence that Kazakhstan’s leadership would significantly advance regional cooperation.
During a weekly briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that the External Affairs Minister would lead the Indian delegation at the summit. The conversation between PM Modi and President Tokayev underscored their shared commitment to strategic partnerships and regional cooperation.
PM Modi, in a post on X, conveyed his confidence in Kazakhstan’s leadership and reiterated India's support for the summit.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, established in 2001, is a political, economic, and security organisation. Its current members include China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Iran became a full member in 2023 during India’s presidency of the grouping.
Belarus, currently an observer state, is next in line for full membership. The SCO aims to enhance regional security, counter-terrorism efforts, and economic cooperation among its member states. The organisation encompasses over 60 percent of the Eurasian landmass, 40 percent of the world population, and 30 percent of the global GDP.
The upcoming summit in Astana is a significant event, reflecting the collaborative efforts of the member states to address regional challenges and strengthen economic ties.
The leadership transition from India to Kazakhstan marks a new phase in the SCO's ongoing efforts to promote stability and development in the region.
As the Indian delegation, led by EAM S. Jaishankar, prepares to participate, the focus will be on continuing to build on the progress made during India's presidency and supporting the new initiatives proposed by Kazakhstan.
Follow us
