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India, China Hold SCO Talks on Security, Trade & Future Cooperation

India and China held bilateral consultations on the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in New Delhi, focusing on implementing past leaders' decisions and charting the bloc's future direction. The talks, led by their respective national coordinators, reviewed cooperation in security, trade, connectivity, and people-to-people ties. The SCO, which has expanded to ten members including India, Pakistan, Iran, and Belarus, continues to be a key platform for Eurasian dialogue. The discussions underscore ongoing diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Beijing within the multilateral framework.

Key Points: India-China SCO Consultations on Future Cooperation

  • Implementation of SCO decisions
  • Security & trade cooperation
  • Future organisational course
  • Strengthening bilateral ties within SCO
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India, China discuss implementation of SCO Leaders decisions, organisation's future course

India and China discuss implementing SCO leaders' decisions, focusing on security, trade, and connectivity in New Delhi bilateral talks.

"Both sides agreed to continue mutual consultations in future - MEA Statement"

New Delhi, April 17

India and China held Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Bilateral Consultations in New Delhi, discussing the implementation of the SCO Leaders' decisions and the future course of the organisation.

The two sides agreed to continue and consolidate mutual cooperation and consultations in SCO matters, according to a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday.

India's SCO National Coordinator, Ambassador Alok A Dimri and China's National Coordinator, Ambassador Yan Wenbin, led the respective delegations during the meeting held in New Delhi on April 16-17.

"Both delegations, jointly, called on Secretary (West) Shri Sibi George to review cooperation within the SCO framework, including in the areas of security, trade, connectivity, and people-to-people ties. Both sides agreed to continue mutual consultations in future," the MEA release said.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was established on June 15, 2001, with its founding members being China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. In 2017, India and Pakistan joined it. In 2023, Iran became a member, followed by Belarus in 2024, bringing the total number of SCO member states to 10.

The SCO has two observer states -- Afghanistan and Mongolia -- and 14 dialogue partners -- Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, Nepal, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, the Maldives, Myanmar, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait.

Kyrgyzstan holds the SCO chairmanship for 2025-2026. Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov announced the theme of the presidency: "25 Years of the SCO: Together Towards Sustainable Peace, Development, and Prosperity."

On April 1, China's Ambassador to India Xu Feihong expressed Beijing's readiness to strengthen strategic alignment, deepen practical cooperation and enhance people-to-people exchanges with New Delhi as both countries marked the 76th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties.

"Today marks the 76th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India. China and India are neighbours that cannot be moved apart. It is the right choice for both sides to be good-neighbourly friends and partners that help each other succeed, and realise the 'Dragon-Elephant Tango'," Xu posted on X.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As an expat living in Delhi, it's encouraging to see diplomatic channels active. SCO can be a crucial platform for counter-terrorism and economic cooperation in Eurasia. India's role is key.
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Priya S
"Dragon-Elephant Tango" sounds nice in a tweet, but what about the soldiers on the border? Our government should not compromise on security for the sake of diplomatic niceties in SCO meetings. National interest comes first, always.
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Vikram M
Good step. SCO is important for India's connectivity goals with Central Asia. We need to use this platform to balance China's influence and promote our trade routes. Jai Hind!
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Rohit P
People-to-people ties are mentioned, but when will it be easier for ordinary Indians to get visas for China? That's the real test of friendship. All this talk needs to benefit common citizens.
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Michael C
The expansion of SCO with Iran and Belarus shows it's becoming a significant non-Western bloc. India's participation ensures it's not just a Sino-Russian club. A smart strategic move by our diplomats.

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