External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has highlighted eight key takeaways from India’s perspective at the conclusion of the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting held in Islamabad. These points emphasize India’s commitment to global cooperation and development:
- One Earth, One Family, One Future: India is promoting a dialogue based on this philosophy, which aligns with the G20 presidency’s theme, fostering unity and a shared vision for global progress.
- India’s Initiatives Welcomed: Indian efforts such as the SCO Startup Forum, Startup Working Group (SWG) on Innovation, and Traditional Medicine received positive feedback from SCO members, showcasing India’s leadership in promoting innovation and healthcare.
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) & Digital Inclusion: India’s emphasis on digital public infrastructure and inclusion is now becoming a key part of the SCO cooperation framework, supporting technological progress across member nations.
- Mission LiFE and UNSDGs: India is steering SCO’s efforts toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) by drawing inspiration from Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), focusing on sustainable living.
- Global Food Security and Nutrition: India is advocating for the promotion of climate-resilient and nutritious crops like millets to enhance global food security and nutrition.
- Fair and Balanced Connectivity Projects: India insists that connectivity initiatives adhere to international law, ensuring they are fair, transparent, and aligned with both the UN Charter and the SCO Charter.
- Support for a Rules-Based Multilateral Trading System: India reaffirms its stance on maintaining a fair and inclusive trading system, with the WTO at its core, to foster global trade cooperation.
- Opposition to Protectionism and Sanctions: India is standing against protectionist policies, unilateral sanctions, and trade restrictions that disrupt the multilateral trading system and global sustainable development.
India also extended its best wishes to Russia, which is taking over the presidency of the SCO Council of Heads of Government.