Minister of State for External Affairs Dr Kirti Vardhan Singh has said that the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is not merely a regional grouping but a vital link connecting India with its historical and civilisational partners across Eurasia.  

 

In his intervention at the SCO International Conference in Tajikistan, the MoS said India’s vision for cooperation within the SCO is guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s framework of Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity. 

 

He emphasised that Central Asia occupies a significant place in this Vision. He added that it serves as a key node for enhancing regional connectivity and fostering greater economic integration among nations at the strategic crossroads of Eurasia. 

 

Dr Singh said India is firmly committed to fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, together with its partners from Central Asia.

 

He reiterated that providing safe haven, using terrorist proxies for cross-border terrorism, terror financing, arms and drugs trafficking, dissemination of a radical ideology and abuse of cyberspace to spread disinformation and incite violence goes against the basic principles of humanity and international relations.

 

The Minister of State announced that India will host the inaugural edition of the SCO Civilisation Dialogue Forum in Kolkata from 17th to 19th July.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Forum and deliver the keynote address.