SCO countries can utilize Chabahar Port, INS Transport Corridor for closer connectivity: India
New Delhi, May 25 (FN Representative) Stressing on building closer connectivity, India has said the SCO countries can work towards maximizing utilization of Iran’s Chabahar Port, as well as the International North-South Transport Corridor and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) to bring in economic prosperity in the region. Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, in his address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan, said that while strong connectivity is crucial for the progress of any region as it builds better trade and trust among members, it is essential to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Member States – in oblique reference to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor that passes through Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Ravi also mentioned terrorism as one of the global challenges in the world, and it has become a major threat to regional and global peace. He called for decisive action in dealing with the challenge of terrorism. “Regardless of its form and manifestations, we must unite in our fight against terrorism, including cross-border terrorism and terror financing. There should be no place for double standards on such serious matters.
The SCO-RATS mechanism shall continue to play a significant role in this regard. India is committed to implement the Action Program flowing from the address by the SCO Heads of State to Youth in 2018 in countering radicalization,” he said. Referring to Afghanistan, he said the situation in the Taliban-ruled nation has directly impacted the security of all members. “SCO countries must come together to strive for the well-being of the people of Afghanistan. It is important that Afghanistan’s territory is not used to spread instability in the region or to encourage extremist ideologies,” he asserted. He called for giving English the status of an official and working language in the SCO to improve the efficiency of the grouping. “We would be happy to assist in capacity building programmes for English language, through India’s renowned Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) courses,” he said. Established in 2001, the SCO initially included Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as member states. Over the years, its sphere of influence has widened significantly, encompassing India, and Pakistan as member states in 2017. Iran became a new permanent member at an India-hosted virtual summit of the grouping in July last year. Afghanistan, Belarus and Mongolia are observer states, while Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Turkey are “dialogue partners”. The SCO nations represent a substantial portion of the Asian continent, contributing to 30% of the world’s GDP and comprising 40% of the global population.