During his address to the 22nd session of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, expressed the view that the SCO should prioritize regional stability and economic growth. He underscored the importance of adhering to the principles of international law, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each member nation, and fostering economic cooperation as essential components of this collective effort.
Jaishankar's statements seemed to allude to China, given India's ongoing concerns about territorial matters. China has made significant investments in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which traverses Pakistan. India has voiced its objections to this project, primarily because it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
He emphasized the significance of the interests of Central Asian states in this context, suggesting that these countries' welfare should be at the forefront of the SCO's agenda.
Additionally, Jaishankar underscored the importance of robust connectivity and infrastructure to facilitate regional trade. However, he made it clear that such initiatives must consistently uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all participating nations.
Furthermore, he highlighted the need to prevent financially burdensome debt in the Global South resulting from opaque initiatives. He proposed that projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) could serve as catalysts for prosperity in the region.
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