While speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the importance of countries respecting each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“India has strong cultural and historical ties with the countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Respecting the sovereignty of others, territorial integrity must be a basic principle while improving connectivity, ”said Prime Minister Modi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his virtual speech, also pointed to the attempts being made to hamper the SCO agenda. “It is regrettable that repeated attempts are being made to unnecessarily include bilateral issues on the SCO agenda, which violates the SCO Charter and the Spirit of Shanghai. Such efforts are contrary to the spirit of consensus and cooperation that defines the SCO ”, he added.
The prime minister was on his way virtually to the 20th summit of the SCO Council of Heads of State, which comes in the context of the border conflict between India and China.
Since India became a full member of the SCO Council of Heads of State and Chiefs in 2017, Prime Minister Modi has led the Indian delegation to the annual summit. However, this is the first time that the annual meeting has been held virtually due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
During the 9-minute speech, the Prime Minister further highlighted India’s strong opposition to terrorism and drug smuggling. “India strongly believes in peace, security and prosperity, and we have always expressed our opposition to terrorism, illegal arms smuggling, drugs and money laundering. India has remained steadfast in its commitment to work under the SCO according to the principles set out in the SCO Charter, ”he said.
Calling for a “reformed multilateralism” that reflects today’s global realities, the prime minister suggested that countries also discuss issues such as “the expectations of all stakeholders, contemporary challenges and human well-being.”
“We look forward to the full support of the SCO member countries in this effort,” he said.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit sets the agenda and the main directions for the coming year. The virtual meeting on Tuesday was attended by all eight SCO members: Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Russian President Vladimir Putin chaired the virtual meeting on Tuesday and each country was given 10 minutes to speak.
.
