Samarkand (Uzbekistan) ∙ The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) said in a joint statement that it cannot allow interference in the sovereignty of other countries in the name of fighting terrorism. The announcement is aimed at US interventions in the region. The presidents of Russia and China also criticized the US on the Taiwan issue in their speeches at the summit.
India took over the chairmanship of the SCO from Uzbekistan at the summit that concluded yesterday. The summit will be held in India next year. In a statement, the SCO said it would advance collective action to help small countries address the impacts of climate change and reduce carbon emissions. Varanasi was declared as the first cultural capital city of SCO. The summit also decided to make the countries of UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Maldives and Myanmar as dialogue partners.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that cooperation in the field of food security and traditional medicine should be strengthened and India will take the initiative in promoting traditional medical methods. Covid and the war in Ukraine are causing food security concerns. Promoting the cultivation and consumption of small grains is an appropriate way to deal with the food crisis. It is also a nutritious and inexpensive alternative, Modi said.
Modi held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Uzbekistan President Shaukat Mirzoyev, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi. The progress of the Chabahar port development project was assessed during the talks with Iran. Modi asked Putin to resolve the Ukraine issue through talks. Putin said he understands India’s concerns. Matters like fuel transfer and market for Russian fertilizer in India were also discussed.
Modi and Xi without handshake
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping did not shake hands or smile at each other, despite coming to a stage for the first time since the Chinese aggression in Galwan. There were rumors that there would be a discussion between the two. Chinese President appreciated India’s assumption of SCO chairmanship. Modi arrived in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on Thursday night. The news agency initially reported that Modi and Xi Jinping had met, but later retracted the report.
English Summary: PM Narendra Modi, Uzbekistan, Regional SCO Summit