India, as the only country in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), has once again declined to support China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The recently concluded SCO summit, held under India’s chairmanship, saw the other member nations, namely Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, reaffirm their endorsement of the BRI. The Delhi Declaration issued after the summit highlighted their support for the BRI and emphasized efforts to integrate the Eurasian Economic Union and BRI. India has consistently maintained its position of non-endorsement for the BRI during previous SCO meetings as well. Read More Business News on our website.
What are the Major Highlights of SCO Summit 2023?
The SCO New Delhi Declaration emphasized the member states’ commitment to expanding cooperation for sustainable socio-economic development and enhancing the well-being of people in the region. The declaration emphasized the implementation of the SCO Economic Development Strategy 2030 and the importance of joint programs and projects to foster cooperation in priority areas.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his virtual address to the summit, reiterated China’s commitment to enhancing the BRI and promoting high-quality cooperation. He emphasized the need to facilitate trade, investment, infrastructure development, and the stability of regional industrial and supply chains.
India, while acknowledging the importance of connectivity, has consistently emphasized the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. India’s Foreign Secretary, Vinay Kwatra, reiterated this stance, stating that connectivity should be respectful of these principles.
The summit, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was attended by leaders from China, Russia, Pakistan, and other SCO member states. India’s chairmanship of the SCO has been marked by active engagement and mutually beneficial cooperation among member states. India will continue to play a positive and constructive role in the organization until September 2023 when the rotational presidency is scheduled to transition to another member state.