External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar signed eight significant outcome documents at the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad, underscoring India’s active role and contributions to the summit’s deliberations.
In a post on X, Jaishankar outlined the achievements from India’s perspective, highlighting the “positive and constructive contributions” made during the event.
A key focus of India’s dialogue was the theme of One Earth, One Family, One Future, reflecting the country’s emphasis on inclusive global cooperation. Jaishankar also highlighted several Indian initiatives, such as the SCO Startup Forum, the Special Working Group on Startups and Innovation, and Traditional Medicine, which were positively received by member states.
The meeting further advanced India’s digital agenda, incorporating Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and digital inclusion into the SCO cooperation framework. The EAM also stressed the importance of adopting India’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) as a model for environmental preservation, aligning it with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).
“Developing a dialogue on the idea of One Earth, One Family, One Future. Outcomes of India initiatives like SCO Startup Forum, SWG on Startups and Innovation and Traditional Medicine welcomed by SCO members. DPI & Digital inclusion becoming part of SCO cooperation framework. SCO taking inspiration from Mission LiFE to achieving UNSDGs,” Jaishankar said.
Global food security and nutrition were also emphasized, with India promoting the use of climate-resilient grains like millets to combat food shortages and support sustainable agriculture. Jaishankar reiterated the need for fair and balanced connectivity projects that align with international law and the principles of the UN and SCO Charters.
“Enhancing global food security and nutrition through promoting use of climate-resilient and nutritious grains such as millets. Upholding fair and balanced connectivity projects in accordance with international law, the goals and principles of the UN Charter and SCO Charter. Reemphasizing rules-based, non-discriminatory, open, fair, inclusive and transparent multilateral trading system with WTO at its core. Opposing protectionist actions, unilateral sanctions, and trade restrictions that undermine the multilateral trading system and impede global sustainable development,” he added.
Jaishanakar also extended his best wishes to Russia as it prepared to assume the SCO Council of Heads of Government Presidency.
(Inputs from ANI)