Jaishankar to represent India at SCO CHG meeting in Pakistan
| 2024-10-15
EAM Dr S Jaishankar (file photo)
The SCO CHG meeting is held annually and focuses on the trade and economic agenda of the Organization
External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar will represent India at the 23rd meeting of SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG), which will be held on October 16, 2024 in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Pakistan, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Tuesday.
Jaishankar will become the first Indian EAM to travel to Pakistan in nine years. The last visit was by Sushma Swaraj in 2015. The visit will be limited to attending the summit.
India remains actively engaged in the SCO format, including various mechanisms and initiatives within the SCO framework.
Background
The SCO is a multilateral, regional grouping with a focus on security and economic development, established in 2001.
It is the world's largest regional organization in terms of territorial expanse and population, covering approximately 60% of the area of Eurasia and 40% of the world population. As of 2023, its combined GDP is around 26% of the global GDP.
The formation of the SCO was perceived among some members of the academic and strategic community, particularly in the West as the possible emergence of an eastern North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) with an anti-West orientation. Its evolution over the last 23 years has belied these fears.
Military exercises are, however, regularly conducted among members to promote cooperation and coordination against terrorism and other external threats, and to maintain regional peace and stability.
Conclusion
In July 2015, in Ufa, Russia, India was admitted as full members. Overall, it is imperative for India to stay engaged with Central Asia and the broader Eurasian region. Increased association with the SCO will promote India’s interests of strengthening cooperation with friendly countries of Central Asia, Russia, Iran, and others.
India is a promising and attractive option for these countries not only because of its commendable democratic and liberal credentials but also because of its rapid economic growth, the size of its market, its scientific and technological, particularly digital, prowess, and talented workforce.
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