Closer cooperation within SCO must amid economic, supply chain challenges, says Jaishankar in Kyrgyzstan

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said that the closer cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) becomes must, especially when the world is facing challenges of a looming economic recession, broken supply chains and food and energy insecurity.

VIDEO | "The world is facing challenges of a looming economic recession, broken supply chains, food and energy insecurity; this calls for closer cooperation within the SCO," says External Affairs minister @DrSJaishankar at the opening ceremony of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation… pic.twitter.com/hu21tPa1Km

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Addressing the opening ceremony of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conclave in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, he said," Today when the world is facing challenges, looming economic recession, broken supply chains, food and energy insecurity this calls for closer cooperation with the SCO. In this context, the centrality of the interests of Central Asian States plays a key role." Jaishankar said India is keen to partner with member states for sustainable, mutually beneficial and financially viable solutions. “As we strive to improve trade within the region, we need robust connectivity and infrastructure. India has accorded utmost priority to these domains in its own developmental journey, at the same time connectivity initiatives should always respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries,” he added. He said that it’s important to bear in mind that the Global South is not saddled with unviable debt arising from opaque initiatives. “I am confident that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and the International North–South Transport Corridor could become enablers in bringing economic prosperity to the region,” added Jaishankar. Listing out the World Bank’s latest update on economic growth, he said India continues to show resilience against the backdrop of a challenging global environment. “India’s GDP growth forecast for FY 2023-24 is 6.3 per cent… Our total trade with SCO Members has shown massive growth, especially with Russia. It has grown in the last year, with all SCO Members, by 20 per cent…This has the potential to grow manifold,” added the external affairs minister. Jaishankar arrived in Bishkek on Wednesday and soon after called on President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov to discuss ways to boost bilateral cooperation in banking, defense and energy sectors. “Delighted to call on President Sadyr Zhaparov of Kyrgyz Republic. Conveyed the personal greetings of PM @narendramodi. Discussed cooperation in banking, energy, health and pharma, defense, agriculture and investments,” Jaishankar posted on X. The minister conveyed India’s support to Kyrgyzstan for the successful Presidency of the SCO Council of Heads of Government. Kyrgyzstan is hosting the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting in its capacity as the current chair of the grouping. Jaishankar also met his counterpart from Kyrgyzstan Zheenbek Kulubaev and discussed a range of issues. “Good to see my old friend FM Zheenbek Kulubaev in Bishkek. Spoke about strengthening India-Kyrgyz cooperation in the fields of trade and economy, development projects, health and education. Also exchanged views on Afghanistan, West Asia and connectivity,” he wrote on X earlier. With inputs from agencies