On Thursday, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh met with Nurlan Yermekbayev, the newly appointed Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), to discuss ways to enhance cooperation within the SCO framework.
This meeting marked an important step in strengthening the ties between India and the regional organisation, especially in key areas of mutual interest.
Minister Singh expressed his pleasure at meeting Yermekbayev on his first official visit to India. He shared on social media that the discussion was productive, focusing on various aspects of the cooperation within the SCO framework.
The SCO, which plays a crucial role in fostering regional stability and economic collaboration, is at the forefront of India's foreign policy, particularly in the context of its engagement with Central Asia and other neighbouring regions.
Yermekbayev’s visit to India is his first since he took office as the Secretary General of the SCO. Prior to his meeting with Singh, he also met with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Jaishankar warmly welcomed the new Secretary General and congratulated him on his new role.
During their discussions, the focus was on India’s contributions to the SCO and its commitment to building a more secure and cooperative regional framework, often referred to as the ‘SECURE SCO’.
The interaction between Singh and Yermekbayev followed a similar conversation between the Secretary (West) of the Ministry of External Affairs, Tanmay Lal, and the SCO Secretary-General.
The topics of discussion included potential areas of cooperation within the SCO, covering everything from trade to security concerns.
Yermekbayev’s visit highlights the growing importance of the SCO in the region. The organisation, which was established in 2001, includes full members such as India, China, Russia, and several Central Asian nations.
Alongside these full members, the SCO also includes observer states and dialogue partners, reflecting its expanding role in shaping regional and global policies.
India has consistently been a vocal advocate for greater regional integration and cooperation through platforms like the SCO. The country’s leadership has emphasised the need to focus on enhancing connectivity, security, and economic ties.
This approach is in line with India’s broader vision of contributing to a peaceful and prosperous region.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation remains one of the most significant platforms for cooperation in Asia, particularly when it comes to tackling transnational challenges like terrorism, drug trafficking, and cyber threats.
The discussions between Singh and Yermekbayev are part of India’s continued efforts to strengthen the SCO’s role in addressing these issues and advancing regional cooperation.
Yermekbayev’s visit to India underscores the country’s ongoing commitment to regional cooperation through the SCO framework. It also serves as a reminder of the growing importance of multilateral organisations in shaping global policies and fostering peace and stability in volatile regions.
With many SCO members facing challenges such as geopolitical tensions, economic development, and security threats, the role of the organisation has become even more critical in recent years.
As the SCO continues to evolve, India’s engagement with the organisation is expected to deepen. The country’s strategic position, both geographically and diplomatically, makes it a key player in the organisation's efforts to foster regional stability and growth.
Through its participation in the SCO, India aims to further its goals of promoting a secure, stable, and economically vibrant Asia.
This engagement also serves to strengthen India’s ties with its Central Asian neighbours, all of whom are important players in the region's economic and security landscapes.
As the world’s largest democracy and one of the fastest-growing economies, India’s leadership in the SCO is seen as crucial for shaping the future direction of the organisation.
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