India to Hold SCO Meeting Virtually

Amid the pandemic situation across the world, India is all set to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting virtually on 16th September 2021. The 21st meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State will be chaired by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.

A Brief on SCO

SCO is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance comprising China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and India. These member countries play a vital role in the regional integration of power, which helps maintain peace and stability in the region.

SCO provides a platform for cooperation on issues of strategic importance, including counter-terrorism, security, economic development, and culture. India joined the organization as a full member in 2017, enhancing its partnership with other member countries.

The Significance of the Meeting

The SCO meeting provides an opportunity for member countries to discuss and address the challenges faced by the region. The pandemic has had a significant impact on the global economy, and the SCO member countries have been affected in varied ways.

The meeting will help to address the issue of global economic recovery. Members of the SCO are collectively responsible for about 60% of the world's total population and more than a quarter of the world's GDP. Hence, the discussion would hold significant importance for the global economy in the coming years.

Three Key Points of the Meeting

1. SCO leaders will be discussing cooperation on trade, economy, and investment. They will be focusing on areas such as financial sector cooperation, innovation, digital economy, energy, and infrastructure development.
2. The leaders will discuss the role of the SCO in stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan, ensuring regional peace and security, and developing economic and humanitarian cooperation with Afghanistan.
3. The leaders will also discuss cooperation in the education and culture sectors, providing an opportunity for the development of people-to-people ties between countries in the region.

Conclusion

The India-led virtual SCO meeting will provide an opportunity for member countries to discuss and strategize on ways to combat present-day challenges, including the pandemic, economic development, and regional security. The cooperation and coordination of the SCO members will contribute to the socio-economic development of the region and help maintain peace and stability.

References

• https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-to-host-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-sco-virtual-meeting-on-september-17-7480364/
• https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-to-chair-virtual-shanghai-cooperation-organisation-summit-on-september-17-101630904889528.html

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