Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar took a swipe at China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by saying that connectivity initiatives should always respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.
In his address at the 22nd session of the Council of Heads of Government of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) at Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, today, Jaishankar said India has redoubled efforts towards reformed multilateralism for a more accountable, inclusive, and representative international system.
Opaque Initiatives, Unviable Debts
Jaishankar mentioned that as member states strive to improve trade within the region, there is a need for robust connectivity and infrastructure.
Full address by EAM Jaishankar at SCO head of Government meeting in Kyrgyzstan; Mentions about connectivity projects need to respect sovereignty in a message to China. pic.twitter.com/NN0ADmNmir
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) October 26, 2023
Targeting China’s infrastructure projects, which are notorious for creating debt traps, he said, “We should bear in mind that the Global South should not be saddled with unviable debt arising from opaque initiatives.”
Furthermore, the EAM mentioned that he was confident 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.
He said that India advocated for an inclusive, human-centric approach to development.
India has criticised BRI several times for violating its territorial integrity as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a part of the BRI, passes through the Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Historical Ties, Closer Cooperation
Highlighting India’s civilisational ties with the SCO members, Jaishankar remarked, “The continuous movement of goods, ideas and people traversing the region has left an indelible imprint on our customs, traditions, language and cuisine.”
He said these historical ties should now create the template for greater economic cooperation between our nations.
The EAM said that as the world faces the challenges of looming economic recession, broken supply chains, and food and energy insecurity, closer cooperation within the SCO is the need of the hour.
Jaishankar said India is keen to partner with member states for sustainable, mutually beneficial, and financially viable solutions.
Millets, Climate Change
Regarding environmental initiatives, Jaishankar said that India believes in harnessing the power of millet as one possible means to ensure global food security.
Mentioning climate change as one of the severe challenges facing humanity today, Jaishankar said that India has pioneered various initiatives like Mission LiFE, the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, contributing to climate action.
The EAM said, “We have only one earth, with one shared future.”
Therefore, he hoped the fight against climate change would unite the world as one family.
Trade with SCO Countries
The Indian minister outlined that India continues to show resilience against a challenging global environment and is among the ten top exporters in the world by value.
“Our total trade with SCO members has shown impressive growth, especially with Russia.”
The EAM mentioned that India’s trade with the SCO members has grown in the last year by about 20 per cent and has the potential to grow manifold.
Further, he said India welcomed collaboration with SCO member states in trade, technology and tourism.
Jaishankar also thanked member states for the support extended during India’s chairmanship of the organisation.
Lastly, he wished Pakistan success in taking over the chairmanship of the Council of the Heads of Government for 2024.
Jaishankar in Kyrgyzstan
The EAM touched down in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, on 25 October, for a two-day visit.
Good to see my old friend FM Zheenbek Kulubaev in Bishkek.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 25, 2023
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. pic.twitter.com/szW2UvLfE9
He was received by Deputy Foreign Minister Aibek Moldogaziev upon his arrival. During the visit, Jaishankar met Zheenbek Kulubaev, his counterpart from Kyrgyzstan. He also met President Sadyr Zhaparov and expressed Indian support for the successful Kyrgyz Presidency of the SCO Council of Heads of Government.