India, China discuss boosting bilateral ties at SCO Metabolic Diseases Centre launch in Shanghai
Shanghai, February 27
India's Consul General in Shanghai, Pratik Mathur, met Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng at the opening of the SCO Cooperation Centre for Metabolic Diseases in Shanghai on Friday, reaffirming efforts to strengthen India-China ties.
According to a post by the Consulate General of India in Shanghai on X, the meeting took place on the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony of the centre established under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
During the interaction, Mayor Gong expressed satisfaction over the recent progress in bilateral relations, particularly following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China to attend the Tianjin SCO Summit in August.
He also highlighted the widely welcomed resumption of direct air links between Shanghai and Indian cities as a positive development.
Consul General Mathur thanked the senior Chinese leadership and conveyed India's best wishes for further strengthening cooperation. He underscored that the progress achieved in bilateral relations would also contribute positively to collaboration in multilateral forums such as the SCO and BRICS.
The Indian side also noted that India will be hosting the BRICS Leaders' Summit later this year, expressing confidence that enhanced bilateral engagement would be mutually beneficial across regional and global platforms.
The meeting was shared on X with the message "United for a Healthy Future," reflecting the focus on cooperation in healthcare and multilateral engagement.
Earlier in September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Council (SCO) Members Session in Tianjin, said that India's new mantra is now to reform, perform and transform.
PM Modi further invited all members to be a part of India's journey.
PM Modi said, "Today, India is moving ahead following the mantra of Reform, Perform and Transform... We have tried to turn every challenge into an opportunity... I invite all of you to be a part of India's development journey."
PM Modi highlighted that India's vision for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is guided by three pillars, namely Security, Connectivity and Opportunity. He brought to attention the importance of security, peace and stability towards the growth of countries, India's connectivity endeavours for Afghanistan and Central Asia, and suggested the creation of a Civilisational Dialogue Forum to bring to the world cultural aspects of SCO member countries.
Addressing the 25th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO in Tianjin, PM Modi said, "As an active and committed member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), India has consistently played a constructive and positive role in advancing the organisation's objectives. India's engagement within the SCO framework is guided by three key pillars: S - Security, C - Connectivity, and O- Opportunity."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see dialogue continuing. The resumption of direct flights between Shanghai and our cities is a practical step that helps business and tourism. Hope this spirit of cooperation extends to more people-to-people exchanges. 🇮🇳🤝
PM Modi's mantra of Reform, Perform, Transform is the right approach. Engaging with China on specific issues like healthcare within the SCO framework makes sense, but we should be clear-eyed. Trust, but verify. Our focus should remain on strengthening our own capabilities.
As an expat in India, it's interesting to watch this diplomacy. Focusing on shared challenges like metabolic diseases (diabetes is huge in both countries!) is a smart way to build bridges. Small steps can lead to bigger understandings.
The Civilisational Dialogue Forum idea mentioned by PM Modi is excellent! India and China have ancient civilizations. We should showcase our culture, yoga, Ayurveda alongside such scientific cooperation. Soft power is important too.
While the article highlights positive talks, I respectfully feel our media should ask tougher questions. What tangible outcomes are expected from this centre for Indian patients? How does it align with our 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' in pharma and medical research? Cooperation is good, but we must also build our own institutions.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.