News Analysis India

Tag: SCO

  • EAM Jaishankar calls on SCO nations to strictly adhere to international law, respecting sovereignty

    By PTI

    BISHKEK: India on Thursday said that the members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) should work together to promote stability and prosperity in the region by strictly adhering to the principles of international law, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each other and encouraging economic cooperation, in an apparent dig at China.

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made the remarks here in his address to the 22nd session of the Council of Heads of Government of SCO, which was attended by representatives from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Iran, China, Russia, Tajikistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

    “SCO should work together to promote stability and prosperity in the region by strictly adhering to the principles of international law, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each other and encouraging economic cooperation,” he said.

    In this context, the centrality of the interests of Central Asian states plays a key role, he said, adding that India is keen to partner with member states for sustainable, mutually beneficial and financially viable solutions as it strives 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.

    Beijing is investing billions of dollars in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Pakistan. India has protested to China over the economic corridor – the flagship project of the BRI – as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

    Jaishankar said India shares deep civilisational ties with the people of the SCO region.

    Currently, the SCO countries include India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

    “The continuous movement of goods, ideas and people traversing the region has left indelible imprints on our customs, traditions, language and cuisine. These historical relationships should now create a template for greater economic cooperation,” he said.

    “To improve trade within the region, we need robust connectivity and infrastructure. Such initiatives should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries,” he said.

    “The Global South should not be saddled with unviable debt arising from opaque initiatives,” Jaishankar said, in another jibe at China, which is accused of launching unviable infrastructure projects in countries like Sri Lanka and Pakistan, saddling those countries with debts.

    At the same time, Jaishankar said that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) could become enablers in bringing economic prosperity to the region.

    The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which many see as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, was jointly announced by the leaders of the US, India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union on the sidelines of the G20 summit in September.

    The International North-South Transport Corridor is a 7,200-km long multi-mode network of ship, rail, and road routes for moving freight between India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe.

    The Global South refers to countries often characterised as developing, less developed, or underdeveloped, primarily located in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

    Beijing was the lender of choice for many nations over the past decade. Many borrowed heavily from China. There have been global concerns over debt traps and regional hegemony by China using its ambitious BRI infrastructure projects.

    China is doling out huge sums of money for infrastructure projects in countries from Asia to Africa and Europe. The US’ previous Donald Trump administration had been extremely critical of the BRI and was of the view that China’s “predatory financing” is leaving smaller countries under huge debt endangering their sovereignty.

    During its SCO presidency, Jaishankar said, India focused on five new verticals of cooperation- Startups and Innovation, Traditional Medicine, Science and Technology, Youth Empowerment and Shared Buddhist Heritage. The response received highlighted the relevance of the chosen themes.

    “We adopted a Statement on Cooperation in Digital Transformation and we have also institutionalized a Special Working Group on Startups and Innovation. India is also hosting SCO Startup Forum on a regular basis,” he said.

    He said that the world is facing challenges of a looming economic recession, broken supply chains, food and energy insecurity and this calls for closer cooperation within the SCO in this context.

    Noting that climate change is one of the serious challenges facing humanity, he said India has pioneered along with partners Global Initiatives contributing to climate action.

    “This includes the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient infrastructure, the infrastructure for resilient island states and the leadership group on industry transition,” he added.

    “India has also launched mission life to bring individual behavioural change to the forefront of global climate action. With a narrative defined by mindful and deliberate utilisation of resources, we have only earth with one shared future therefore we hope that the fight against climate change will unite the world as one family,” he added.

    He said India was committed to tackling the challenge of energy security.

    “We ranked fourth in wind, energy and solar energy. Our government has taken various measures to increase the use of alternate fuel through the National Hydrogen Mission. We are moving towards an environmentally friendly energy source. It will help India and all our partners to achieve the goal of net zero carbon emissions,” he said.

    Underlining that food security continues to be a challenge in many parts of the world, he said India believes in harnessing the power of millets as one possible means to ensure global food security. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

    BISHKEK: India on Thursday said that the members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) should work together to promote stability and prosperity in the region by strictly adhering to the principles of international law, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each other and encouraging economic cooperation, in an apparent dig at China.

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made the remarks here in his address to the 22nd session of the Council of Heads of Government of SCO, which was attended by representatives from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Iran, China, Russia, Tajikistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

    “SCO should work together to promote stability and prosperity in the region by strictly adhering to the principles of international law, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each other and encouraging economic cooperation,” he said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2′); });

    In this context, the centrality of the interests of Central Asian states plays a key role, he said, adding that India is keen to partner with member states for sustainable, mutually beneficial and financially viable solutions as it strives 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.

    Beijing is investing billions of dollars in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Pakistan. India has protested to China over the economic corridor – the flagship project of the BRI – as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

    Jaishankar said India shares deep civilisational ties with the people of the SCO region.

    Currently, the SCO countries include India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

    “The continuous movement of goods, ideas and people traversing the region has left indelible imprints on our customs, traditions, language and cuisine. These historical relationships should now create a template for greater economic cooperation,” he said.

    “To improve trade within the region, we need robust connectivity and infrastructure. Such initiatives should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries,” he said.

    “The Global South should not be saddled with unviable debt arising from opaque initiatives,” Jaishankar said, in another jibe at China, which is accused of launching unviable infrastructure projects in countries like Sri Lanka and Pakistan, saddling those countries with debts.

    At the same time, Jaishankar said that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) could become enablers in bringing economic prosperity to the region.

    The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which many see as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, was jointly announced by the leaders of the US, India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union on the sidelines of the G20 summit in September.

    The International North-South Transport Corridor is a 7,200-km long multi-mode network of ship, rail, and road routes for moving freight between India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe.

    The Global South refers to countries often characterised as developing, less developed, or underdeveloped, primarily located in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

    Beijing was the lender of choice for many nations over the past decade. Many borrowed heavily from China. There have been global concerns over debt traps and regional hegemony by China using its ambitious BRI infrastructure projects.

    China is doling out huge sums of money for infrastructure projects in countries from Asia to Africa and Europe. The US’ previous Donald Trump administration had been extremely critical of the BRI and was of the view that China’s “predatory financing” is leaving smaller countries under huge debt endangering their sovereignty.

    During its SCO presidency, Jaishankar said, India focused on five new verticals of cooperation- Startups and Innovation, Traditional Medicine, Science and Technology, Youth Empowerment and Shared Buddhist Heritage. The response received highlighted the relevance of the chosen themes.

    “We adopted a Statement on Cooperation in Digital Transformation and we have also institutionalized a Special Working Group on Startups and Innovation. India is also hosting SCO Startup Forum on a regular basis,” he said.

    He said that the world is facing challenges of a looming economic recession, broken supply chains, food and energy insecurity and this calls for closer cooperation within the SCO in this context.

    Noting that climate change is one of the serious challenges facing humanity, he said India has pioneered along with partners Global Initiatives contributing to climate action.

    “This includes the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient infrastructure, the infrastructure for resilient island states and the leadership group on industry transition,” he added.

    “India has also launched mission life to bring individual behavioural change to the forefront of global climate action. With a narrative defined by mindful and deliberate utilisation of resources, we have only earth with one shared future therefore we hope that the fight against climate change will unite the world as one family,” he added.

    He said India was committed to tackling the challenge of energy security.

    “We ranked fourth in wind, energy and solar energy. Our government has taken various measures to increase the use of alternate fuel through the National Hydrogen Mission. We are moving towards an environmentally friendly energy source. It will help India and all our partners to achieve the goal of net zero carbon emissions,” he said.

    Underlining that food security continues to be a challenge in many parts of the world, he said India believes in harnessing the power of millets as one possible means to ensure global food security. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

  • Only issue with Pakistan is when they will vacate POK: Jaishankar hits back at SCO meet

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: At the just concluded Shanghai Corporation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Goa, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar came down heavily on Pakistan after the comments made by Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Kashmir.

    “We have only one issue with Pakistan, which is when will they vacate Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK). Pakistan’s credibility is depleting faster than its forex reserve,” said Jaishankar, responding to remarks made by Bhutto earlier on Friday.

    India has ruled out any normalcy of ties with Pakistan until the issue of terrorism is resolved and Jaishankar has categorically stated that perpetrators of terrorism cannot act like victims.

    Regarding Bhutto raking up the Kashmir issue, Jaishankar said that Article 370 is history.

    “Wake up and smell the coffee is what I would like to tell Pakistan as Article 370 is history. I would also like to reaffirm that Kashmir was, is and will always remain an integral part of India,” he said, adding that Pakistan had no business speaking about the G20 meeting in Kashmir as it was neither a member of the G20 nor does it have anything to do with Kashmir.

    ALSO READ | Happy to be in Goa, my visit will focus exclusively on SCO: Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto

    “We are politically and diplomatically exposing Pakistan to the world. Victims of terrorism (India) do not sit together with perpetrators of terrorism. They are committing acts of terror which includes the incident of what happened in Rajouri today morning,” said Jaishankar, adding that this is the character of Pakistan, old playbook in a different location – this time it was Goa.

    During his opening remarks ahead of the meet, Jaishankar had stated that the menace of terrorism has continued unabated and taking our eyes off it would be detrimental to India’s security interests. He also reiterated that there can be no justification for terrorism and it must be stopped in all its forms and manifestations – including cross-border terrorism.

    “We must not allow anybody – individual or state – to hide behind non-state actors,” Jaishankar said.

    Meanwhile, Bhutto in an interaction that he had with media from Pakistan said that he wanted peace with India and would sit across the table and talk peace if the environment was congenial. He said he was treated fairly by India during the meet and that he shook hands with Jaishankar during dinner but was greeted with a namaste before the commencement of the meet like all other members.

    “The interest in Pakistan about India and in India about Pakistan is the same. We want to give peace a chance,’’ Bhutto said after he spoke about the breakdown of diplomatic ties with India following the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir.

    India has so far hosted more than 100 events under the SCO Presidency. Regarding bilateral relations with China, Jaishankar said, “The situation with China is abnormal along the border areas. We had a detailed discussion with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang and decided to take the disengagement process forward.”

    China interestingly said that there were no issues it had with India and the relationship was normal.

    Meanwhile, Iran and Belarus have been admitted as new members of the SCO. The discussions India had with Russia were about further strengthening their trade and bilateral ties. English has also been made the third official language of the SCO.

    All members underlined that while connectivity is key to progress, it must come with respect for soverignity and territorial integrity of all member states.

    NEW DELHI: At the just concluded Shanghai Corporation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Goa, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar came down heavily on Pakistan after the comments made by Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Kashmir.

    “We have only one issue with Pakistan, which is when will they vacate Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK). Pakistan’s credibility is depleting faster than its forex reserve,” said Jaishankar, responding to remarks made by Bhutto earlier on Friday.

    India has ruled out any normalcy of ties with Pakistan until the issue of terrorism is resolved and Jaishankar has categorically stated that perpetrators of terrorism cannot act like victims.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Regarding Bhutto raking up the Kashmir issue, Jaishankar said that Article 370 is history.

    “Wake up and smell the coffee is what I would like to tell Pakistan as Article 370 is history. I would also like to reaffirm that Kashmir was, is and will always remain an integral part of India,” he said, adding that Pakistan had no business speaking about the G20 meeting in Kashmir as it was neither a member of the G20 nor does it have anything to do with Kashmir.

    ALSO READ | Happy to be in Goa, my visit will focus exclusively on SCO: Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto

    “We are politically and diplomatically exposing Pakistan to the world. Victims of terrorism (India) do not sit together with perpetrators of terrorism. They are committing acts of terror which includes the incident of what happened in Rajouri today morning,” said Jaishankar, adding that this is the character of Pakistan, old playbook in a different location – this time it was Goa.

    During his opening remarks ahead of the meet, Jaishankar had stated that the menace of terrorism has continued unabated and taking our eyes off it would be detrimental to India’s security interests. He also reiterated that there can be no justification for terrorism and it must be stopped in all its forms and manifestations – including cross-border terrorism.

    “We must not allow anybody – individual or state – to hide behind non-state actors,” Jaishankar said.

    Meanwhile, Bhutto in an interaction that he had with media from Pakistan said that he wanted peace with India and would sit across the table and talk peace if the environment was congenial. He said he was treated fairly by India during the meet and that he shook hands with Jaishankar during dinner but was greeted with a namaste before the commencement of the meet like all other members.

    “The interest in Pakistan about India and in India about Pakistan is the same. We want to give peace a chance,’’ Bhutto said after he spoke about the breakdown of diplomatic ties with India following the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir.

    India has so far hosted more than 100 events under the SCO Presidency. Regarding bilateral relations with China, Jaishankar said, “The situation with China is abnormal along the border areas. We had a detailed discussion with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang and decided to take the disengagement process forward.”

    China interestingly said that there were no issues it had with India and the relationship was normal.

    Meanwhile, Iran and Belarus have been admitted as new members of the SCO. The discussions India had with Russia were about further strengthening their trade and bilateral ties. English has also been made the third official language of the SCO.

    All members underlined that while connectivity is key to progress, it must come with respect for soverignity and territorial integrity of all member states.

  • Channel of finances for terrorism must be seized, blocked without distinction: Jaishankar

    By PTI

    BENAULIM: India on Friday called upon the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to focus on firmly combating terrorism with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar asserting that the menace must be stopped in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism, in an apparent reference to Pakistan.

    In the presence of Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, China’s Qin Gang and Russia’s Sergey Lavrov, Jaishankar, in his address at a conclave of the SCO, said taking the eyes off terrorism would be detrimental to the security interests of the grouping.

    The external affairs minister said the channel of finances for terrorist activities must be seized and blocked without distinction.

    While the world was engaged in facing the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences, the menace of terrorism continues unabated, he said, in remarks seen as directed at Pakistan.

    “We firmly believe that there can be no justification for terrorism and it must be stopped in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism,” he said.

    Jaishankar said combating terrorism is one of the original mandates of the SCO. In his remarks, he also welcomed the delegates at the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers in this beach resort.

    “I am delighted to host you under the first-ever Indian presidency of SCO,” he said.

    He said India attaches great importance to the development of multifaceted cooperation in the SCO and to the promotion of peace, stability and closer interaction among the people of the member nations.

    As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and geo-political upheavals, the world today is facing a multitude of challenges and these events have disrupted the global supply chains, he added.

    In Afghanistan, he said the unfolding situation in the country remains at the “centre of our attention”.

    Our efforts should be directed towards the welfare of Afghan people, he said.

    Our immediate priorities in Afghanistan include providing humanitarian assistance, ensuring a truly inclusive government, combating terrorism and preserving the rights of women, children and minorities, Jaishankar said.

    BENAULIM: India on Friday called upon the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to focus on firmly combating terrorism with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar asserting that the menace must be stopped in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism, in an apparent reference to Pakistan.

    In the presence of Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, China’s Qin Gang and Russia’s Sergey Lavrov, Jaishankar, in his address at a conclave of the SCO, said taking the eyes off terrorism would be detrimental to the security interests of the grouping.

    The external affairs minister said the channel of finances for terrorist activities must be seized and blocked without distinction.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    While the world was engaged in facing the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences, the menace of terrorism continues unabated, he said, in remarks seen as directed at Pakistan.

    “We firmly believe that there can be no justification for terrorism and it must be stopped in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism,” he said.

    Jaishankar said combating terrorism is one of the original mandates of the SCO. In his remarks, he also welcomed the delegates at the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers in this beach resort.

    “I am delighted to host you under the first-ever Indian presidency of SCO,” he said.

    He said India attaches great importance to the development of multifaceted cooperation in the SCO and to the promotion of peace, stability and closer interaction among the people of the member nations.

    As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and geo-political upheavals, the world today is facing a multitude of challenges and these events have disrupted the global supply chains, he added.

    In Afghanistan, he said the unfolding situation in the country remains at the “centre of our attention”.

    Our efforts should be directed towards the welfare of Afghan people, he said.

    Our immediate priorities in Afghanistan include providing humanitarian assistance, ensuring a truly inclusive government, combating terrorism and preserving the rights of women, children and minorities, Jaishankar said.

  • Happy to be in Goa, my visit will focus exclusively on SCO: Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The much awaited Shanghai Corporation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ meeting kickstarted in Goa on Thursday with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar holding bilateral meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang.

    No bilateral took place between Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari – even though the latter talked about meeting his counterparts over dinner where both he and Jaishankar would have come face to face.

    “My decision to attend the meeting illustrates Pakistan’s strong commitment to the charter of the SCO. My visit will be focused exclusively on the SCO and I will have discussions with my counterparts from friendly countries,” Bilawal said before heading to Goa. It has been 12 years since the last visit by a Pakistan Foreign Minister to India.

    On landing in Goa, Bilawal was received at the airport by Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran) JP Singh. Singh has also served as India’s Ambassador to Pakistan in the past.

    ALSO READ | Pakistan encouraging cross-border terrorism, relations with China abnormal: Jaishankar

    Bilawal said that he was happy to be in Goa with his delegation from Pakistan. He met Lavrov and the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan and said he would look forward to meeting the others over dinner.

    Interestingly, the bilateral meeting between Bilawal and Lavrov came ahead of Pakistan importing its first consignment of crude oil from Russia. The consignment is expected to reach Karachi within a week from now.

    Meanwhile, even though no bilaterals took place between India and Pakistan, Jaishankar held talks with his counterparts from Russia, China and Uzbekistan.

    “We did a comprehensive review of our bilateral, global and multilateral cooperation with Sergey Lavrov. Appreciated Russia’s support for India’s SCO Presidency. Also discussed issues pertaining to G20 and BRICS,” said Jaishankar.

    Earlier, Jaishankar’s first meeting in Goa was with SCO Secretary General Zhang Ming. “The Indian Presidency is driven by a commitment to secure the SCO. Its key focus areas are startups, traditional medicine, youth empowerment, Buddhist heritage and science and technology,” Jaishankar said.

    Speaking on his meeting with the Chinese foreign minister, Jaishankar said, “We had a detailed discussion with state councillor and FM Qin Gang of China. The focus remains on resolving outstanding issues and ensuring peace and tranquility in the border areas. We also discussed SCO, G20 and BRICS.”

    In Jaishankar’s third bilateral meeting with his counterpart from Uzbekistan, the duo spoke about mutual cooperation.

    NEW DELHI: The much awaited Shanghai Corporation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ meeting kickstarted in Goa on Thursday with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar holding bilateral meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang.

    No bilateral took place between Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari – even though the latter talked about meeting his counterparts over dinner where both he and Jaishankar would have come face to face.

    “My decision to attend the meeting illustrates Pakistan’s strong commitment to the charter of the SCO. My visit will be focused exclusively on the SCO and I will have discussions with my counterparts from friendly countries,” Bilawal said before heading to Goa. It has been 12 years since the last visit by a Pakistan Foreign Minister to India.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    On landing in Goa, Bilawal was received at the airport by Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran) JP Singh. Singh has also served as India’s Ambassador to Pakistan in the past.

    ALSO READ | Pakistan encouraging cross-border terrorism, relations with China abnormal: Jaishankar

    Bilawal said that he was happy to be in Goa with his delegation from Pakistan. He met Lavrov and the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan and said he would look forward to meeting the others over dinner.

    Interestingly, the bilateral meeting between Bilawal and Lavrov came ahead of Pakistan importing its first consignment of crude oil from Russia. The consignment is expected to reach Karachi within a week from now.

    Meanwhile, even though no bilaterals took place between India and Pakistan, Jaishankar held talks with his counterparts from Russia, China and Uzbekistan.

    “We did a comprehensive review of our bilateral, global and multilateral cooperation with Sergey Lavrov. Appreciated Russia’s support for India’s SCO Presidency. Also discussed issues pertaining to G20 and BRICS,” said Jaishankar.

    Earlier, Jaishankar’s first meeting in Goa was with SCO Secretary General Zhang Ming. “The Indian Presidency is driven by a commitment to secure the SCO. Its key focus areas are startups, traditional medicine, youth empowerment, Buddhist heritage and science and technology,” Jaishankar said.

    Speaking on his meeting with the Chinese foreign minister, Jaishankar said, “We had a detailed discussion with state councillor and FM Qin Gang of China. The focus remains on resolving outstanding issues and ensuring peace and tranquility in the border areas. We also discussed SCO, G20 and BRICS.”

    In Jaishankar’s third bilateral meeting with his counterpart from Uzbekistan, the duo spoke about mutual cooperation.

  • In talks with Shoigu, Rajnath discusses Russian defence industry’s participation in ‘Make in India’

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: In a bilateral meeting, the Defence Ministers of India and Russia on Friday discussed defence and military issues as well as the participation of Russian industry in the production of military equipment in India. Earlier, in his address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting, the Russian Defence Minister accused the US and the West of provoking other countries into military standoffs with Russia and China.

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with Russian Defence Minister General Sergei Shoigu on the sidelines of the SCO meeting in New Delhi.

    “The two ministers discussed wide-ranging issues of bilateral defence cooperation, including military-to-military ties as well as industrial partnership. They also discussed the Russian defence industry’s participation in the ‘Make in India’ initiative and ways to provide further impetus to it,” said the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

    “They expressed satisfaction over the continued trust and mutual respect between the two countries, particularly in defence and reiterated their commitment towards strengthening the partnership. They acknowledged the unique, long-lasting and time-tested relationship between India and Russia,” the MoD added.

    ALSO READ | At SCO meet, Rajnath stresses on elimination of terrorism, respect for territorial integrity

    Meanwhile, in his address at the meeting, Shoigu said, “Today, Washington and its collaborators are implementing their strategic plan to provoke other countries into a military standoff with Russia and China. The conflict in Ukraine serves as a striking confirmation of this criminal policy. Its actual goal is to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia, create a threat for China and preserve [the US’] monopoly position in the world.”

    The Russian Defence Minister’s remarks came amid the ongoing border standoff between the militaries of India and China along the Line of Actual control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

    In the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Shoigu said that a large-scale information campaign has been launched to compromise the Russian leadership and its policies.

    Shoigu also said that the process of breaking and dismantling key arms control and confidence-building agreements has been set in motion.

    “At first, Washington unilaterally terminated the US-Soviet Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, refused to ratify the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty, then withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty and Shorter-Range Missiles and the Treaty on Open Skies,” he said.

    Shoigu in his speech said that in order to contain China, a front is forming. Tensions around the so-called Taiwan problem and territorial disputes in the South China Sea and East China Sea are being deliberately escalated, he said.

    India is also a part of the Quad grouping which also includes the US, Japan and Australia which China views as a front against it.

    Besides India and Russia, other SCO member states including China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan participated in the meeting. All ministers attended the meeting in-person, except in the case of Pakistan. From Pakistan’s side, Special Assistant to Pakistan PM on Defence Affairs Malik Ahmed Khan attended the meeting virtually.

    NEW DELHI: In a bilateral meeting, the Defence Ministers of India and Russia on Friday discussed defence and military issues as well as the participation of Russian industry in the production of military equipment in India. Earlier, in his address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting, the Russian Defence Minister accused the US and the West of provoking other countries into military standoffs with Russia and China.

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with Russian Defence Minister General Sergei Shoigu on the sidelines of the SCO meeting in New Delhi.

    “The two ministers discussed wide-ranging issues of bilateral defence cooperation, including military-to-military ties as well as industrial partnership. They also discussed the Russian defence industry’s participation in the ‘Make in India’ initiative and ways to provide further impetus to it,” said the Ministry of Defence (MoD).googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “They expressed satisfaction over the continued trust and mutual respect between the two countries, particularly in defence and reiterated their commitment towards strengthening the partnership. They acknowledged the unique, long-lasting and time-tested relationship between India and Russia,” the MoD added.

    ALSO READ | At SCO meet, Rajnath stresses on elimination of terrorism, respect for territorial integrity

    Meanwhile, in his address at the meeting, Shoigu said, “Today, Washington and its collaborators are implementing their strategic plan to provoke other countries into a military standoff with Russia and China. The conflict in Ukraine serves as a striking confirmation of this criminal policy. Its actual goal is to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia, create a threat for China and preserve [the US’] monopoly position in the world.”

    The Russian Defence Minister’s remarks came amid the ongoing border standoff between the militaries of India and China along the Line of Actual control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

    In the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Shoigu said that a large-scale information campaign has been launched to compromise the Russian leadership and its policies.

    Shoigu also said that the process of breaking and dismantling key arms control and confidence-building agreements has been set in motion.

    “At first, Washington unilaterally terminated the US-Soviet Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, refused to ratify the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty, then withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty and Shorter-Range Missiles and the Treaty on Open Skies,” he said.

    Shoigu in his speech said that in order to contain China, a front is forming. Tensions around the so-called Taiwan problem and territorial disputes in the South China Sea and East China Sea are being deliberately escalated, he said.

    India is also a part of the Quad grouping which also includes the US, Japan and Australia which China views as a front against it.

    Besides India and Russia, other SCO member states including China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan participated in the meeting. All ministers attended the meeting in-person, except in the case of Pakistan. From Pakistan’s side, Special Assistant to Pakistan PM on Defence Affairs Malik Ahmed Khan attended the meeting virtually.

  • Each SCO country should decide on its own whether to use dollar: Lavrov

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: During the course of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers meeting in Tashkent on Friday, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested that each SCO member decide whether they want to use the dollar for transactions.

    Each member-state of the SCO should decide on its own whether to use the dollar or not, but facts are enough that this currency is unreliable, Lavrov is reported to have said while speaking with the media on the sidelines of the SCO. He suggested further that there should be a roadmap of transitions to broader use of national currencies in mutual settlements.

    Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, said that Iran’s entry into the SCO will strengthen the forum’s influence in the world market. “The SCO members will have the opportunity to use the facilities of the Chabahar port in Iran,” he added.

    Jaishankar also spoke about the crisis that Afghanistan is facing and said that the SCO must combat the hunger crisis there. He also highlighted the fact that India extended humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan to help it fight hunger.

    “Began my SCO visit with a bilateral meeting with DPM and FM Mukhtar Tileuberdi of Kazakhstan. We recognised the progress made out since the last meeting in Delhi in December last year. The current situation calls for stronger Indo-Kazakh cooperation across all domains,” he said.

    China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto were among other members who attended the meeting.

    Meanwhile, the SCO is expanding its network and is set to sign pacts to include Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, Maldives band Saudi Arabia as dialogue partners. The process has also started for granting Belarus as a full member. Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia and Nepal are set to get observer status.

    The Foreign Ministers meeting is the final stage in preparation for the SCO Summit set for September 15-16 in Samarkand in southern Uzbekistan. This is likely to be attended by Prime Minister Modi, who will meet his counterparts from China, Pakistan, Iran and Russia.

    NEW DELHI: During the course of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers meeting in Tashkent on Friday, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested that each SCO member decide whether they want to use the dollar for transactions.

    Each member-state of the SCO should decide on its own whether to use the dollar or not, but facts are enough that this currency is unreliable, Lavrov is reported to have said while speaking with the media on the sidelines of the SCO. He suggested further that there should be a roadmap of transitions to broader use of national currencies in mutual settlements.

    Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, said that Iran’s entry into the SCO will strengthen the forum’s influence in the world market. “The SCO members will have the opportunity to use the facilities of the Chabahar port in Iran,” he added.

    Jaishankar also spoke about the crisis that Afghanistan is facing and said that the SCO must combat the hunger crisis there. He also highlighted the fact that India extended humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan to help it fight hunger.

    “Began my SCO visit with a bilateral meeting with DPM and FM Mukhtar Tileuberdi of Kazakhstan. We recognised the progress made out since the last meeting in Delhi in December last year. The current situation calls for stronger Indo-Kazakh cooperation across all domains,” he said.

    China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto were among other members who attended the meeting.

    Meanwhile, the SCO is expanding its network and is set to sign pacts to include Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, Maldives band Saudi Arabia as dialogue partners. The process has also started for granting Belarus as a full member. Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia and Nepal are set to get observer status.

    The Foreign Ministers meeting is the final stage in preparation for the SCO Summit set for September 15-16 in Samarkand in southern Uzbekistan. This is likely to be attended by Prime Minister Modi, who will meet his counterparts from China, Pakistan, Iran and Russia.

  • Future of Afghanistan cannot be its past, says EAM Jaishankar at SCO meet

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: The future of Afghanistan cannot be its past and the world is against seizure of power by violence and force, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said Wednesday at a key meeting of the SCO in the backdrop of Taliban fighters gaining control over large parts of the conflict-ridden country.

    In his address at the meeting of the SCO foreign ministers’ contact group on Afghanistan in Dushanbe, Jaishankar also emphasised the need for ensuring that Kabul’s neighbours are not “threatened by terrorism, separatism and extremism”.

    The meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s contact group took place in the midst of growing global concerns over escalating violence in Afghanistan as the US looked to complete withdrawal of its troops from the country by August 31.

    Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Hanif Atmar were among those who participated at the meeting.

    Presenting India’s views on Afghanistan, Jaishankar said the world, the region and the Afghan people all want an “independent, neutral, unified, peaceful, democratic and prosperous nation”.

    “Peace negotiations in earnest is the only answer. An acceptable compromise that reflects the Doha process, Moscow format and Istanbul process is essential The future of Afghanistan cannot be its past,” he tweeted.

    “A whole new generation has different expectations. We should not let them down,” Jaishankar added.

    The Doha process, Moscow format and Istanbul process are separate frameworks for dialogue to resolve the conflict in Afghanistan.

    “The challenge is to act seriously and sincerely on these beliefs. Because there are forces at work with a very different agenda. The world is against seizure of power by violence and force. It will not legitimise such actions,” Jaishankar said.

    He also called for ceasing violence and terrorist attacks against civilians and state representatives and pitched for settling conflict through political dialogue, and by respecting the interests of all ethnic groups.

    Afghanistan witnessed a series of terror attacks in the last few weeks as the US aimed to complete the withdrawal of its forces from Afghanistan by August-end, ending a nearly two-decade of its military presence in the war-ravaged country.

  • ‘India should not worry,’ says Russia on strengthening Pakistan tires; Claim to visit Putin

    Russia on Monday said New Delhi should not be worried about its relationship with Pakistan but noted that Moscow is committed to developing ties with Islamabad as it is a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Deputy Chief of the Russian mission Roman Babushkin said Russia’s ties with Islamabad are “independent” in nature and that his government is mindful of respecting sensitivities of other countries.

    “We do not think India should be worried,” he said at a media briefing when asked about Russia’s military drills with Pakistan as well as trade cooperation. 

    “Russia is very cautious when it comes to respecting the sensitivities. But at the same time, we regard our relationship with Pakistan as independent in nature and we also have bilateral trade and economic agenda. We are quite committed to develop this relationship further including from the point of view of Pakistan being a partner country in the framework of the SCO,” Babushkin said. “At the same time, we have reached advanced-level exercises with India as well,” he added.

  • SCO vs STA team predictions, top picks, probable playing XI

    The Perth Scorchers will lock horns with the Melbourne Stars in the 9th match of the Big Bash League 2020 from 1:45 PM IST at the UTAS on Tuesday, December 16. In the previous match, Perth Scorchers were handed a seven-wicket defeat by Melbourne Renegades. On the other hand, Melbourne Stars extended their winning run after defeating Sydney Thunders by 22 runs.

    Fans can watch the match on Sony SIX and Sony SIX HD and to watch the BBL 2020 live streaming online, cricket enthusiasts can tune into Sony’s digital website and app, SonyLIV.Colin Munro/Nicholas Pooran, Josh Inglis (wk), Joe Clarke, Mitchell Marsh, Ashton Turner (c), Cameron Bancroft, Aaron Hardie, Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye, Fawad Ahmed, Joel ParisMarcus Stoinis, Andre Fletcher, Hilton Cartwright, Ben Dunk (WK), Glenn Maxwell (C), Nick Larkin, Nic Maddinson, Nathan Coulter-Nile/Clint Hinchliffe, Billy Stanlake, Liam Hatcher, Adam Zampa

  • PM Modi, Imran Khan will not attend SCO meeting to host India

    The meeting of representatives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) governments will be chaired by Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu. Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan, Narendra Modi and Imran Khan will not attend this virtual meeting.

    Pakistan’s participation in the meeting is at the lowest level. Pakistan will be represented by Parliament Secretary Andlib Abbas for its foreign issues. The Prime Ministers of these countries will represent Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Prime Minister Modi, Imran Khan and Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the SCO’s virtual summit earlier this month. It was chaired by Russia.

    On the condition of not telling his name, the people associated with this meeting said that the Council of the Head of State has participation at the level of the Foreign Minister of India. Last year, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh made his presence known in Uzbekistan. Since India is hosting this meeting this year, the Vice President will preside over it.

    Although Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has participated in virtual meetings organized by other countries, but did not attend the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) meeting in March. The topic of this meeting was related to how to deal with the corona virus. Significantly, in that meeting, the representative of Pakistan had tried to distract Matting from the issue by raising the issue of Kashmir.