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India, China Hold First SCO Bilateral Talks, Chart Future Roadmap in Delhi

India and China have concluded their first-ever bilateral consultations dedicated to Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) matters in New Delhi. The talks, led by national coordinators Alok A Dimri and Yan Wenbin, focused on implementing past SCO decisions and planning the organization's future course. Both sides reviewed cooperation in key areas like security, trade, and connectivity, agreeing to continue their consultations. The meeting underscores ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two nations within the multilateral SCO framework.

Key Points: India-China Hold First Bilateral SCO Consultations in Delhi

  • First India-China bilateral SCO talks
  • Focus on security, trade, connectivity
  • Review of SCO leaders' decisions
  • Future roadmap for the organization
3 min read

India, China hold first bilateral consultations on SCO matters, discuss future roadmap

India and China hold inaugural bilateral talks on SCO matters in New Delhi, discussing security, trade, and future cooperation within the organization.

"Both sides agreed to continue and consolidate mutual-cooperation and consultations in SCO matters - MEA Statement"

New Delhi, April 17

India and China held their first bilateral consultations on Shanghai Cooperation Organisation matters in the national capital, exchanging views on the implementation of SCO Leaders' decisions and the future course of the organisation.

According to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday, both sides agreed to continue and consolidate mutual cooperation and consultations within the SCO framework.

The consultations were held in New Delhi on April 16 and April 17, with India's SCO National Coordinator Alok A Dimri and China's National Coordinator Yan Wenbin leading their respective delegations.

"Two sides exchanged views on implementation of SCO Leaders' Decisions, and the future-course of the organization. Both sides agreed to continue and consolidate mutual-cooperation and consultations in SCO matters," the statement read.

Both delegations also jointly called on Secretary (West) Sibi George to review ongoing cooperation within the SCO framework.

During the meeting, the delegations reviewed key aspects of SCO engagement and discussed ways to strengthen coordination on various fronts. They focused on advancing cooperation in areas such as security, trade, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges.

"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," the statement added.

The MEA noted that India and China agreed to continue mutual consultations in the future, underlining the importance of sustained dialogue within the SCO platform.

The visit comes as part of ongoing diplomatic engagements between India and China within the SCO framework, aimed at strengthening cooperation and dialogue on regional and multilateral issues.

Comprising 10 member countries in addition to India, SCO includes Belarus, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. There are also several dialogue partners and observers.

India has been a member of the SCO since 2017, after having been an Observer since 2005.

During its membership period, India has held the chair of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in 2020 and of the SCO Council of Heads of State from 2022 to 2023.

India, as the chair of SCO, had articulated its priorities as moving towards a 'Secure' SCO - Security, Economic Development, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and Environmental protection.

India had also directed the cooperation in SCO towards five new verticals like Startups and Innovation, Traditional Medicine, Science and Technology, Youth Empowerment and Shared Buddhist Heritage.

In the course of its Presidency of SCO in 2022-2023, New Delhi worked on a diverse range of themes to give a new dynamism to the multifaceted cooperation and, in many areas, opened up new vistas of cooperation to meaningfully enrich SCO's agenda.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see diplomatic channels active. However, any cooperation must be based on mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, as India has rightly emphasized in its SCO priorities. Words need to be followed by actions on the ground.
R
Rohit P
SCO is an important platform for India to engage with Central Asia. Focusing on startups, traditional medicine, and shared Buddhist heritage are brilliant areas where India can lead. Let's hope these consultations move beyond statements to actual projects.
S
Sarah B
As an observer from outside, it's interesting to see India taking such a proactive role in shaping the SCO agenda. The focus on youth empowerment and innovation is forward-thinking for the region's future.
V
Vikram M
While dialogue is necessary, we must remain clear-eyed. The real test is whether cooperation within the SCO framework can address the core bilateral issues, especially along the LAC. People-to-people ties are good, but security concerns are paramount.
K
Karthik V
India's presidency of the SCO was quite impactful. Pushing for a 'Secure' SCO with defined pillars shows strategic vision. Hope these bilateral consultations help implement those priorities, especially in economic development and environmental protection.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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