India and China Convene First-Ever SCO Bilateral Consultations
In a significant diplomatic development, India and China have held their first-ever bilateral consultations under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The meetings took place on April 16-17, marking a new chapter in their efforts to ramp up cooperation following recent improvements in ties.
Focus on SCO Implementation and Future Direction
According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two sides engaged in detailed exchanges regarding the implementation of decisions made by SCO leaders. They also discussed the future course of the organisation, aiming to align their strategies within this multilateral forum.
Both delegations agreed to continue and consolidate mutual cooperation and consultations on SCO matters, as confirmed by the government. This commitment underscores a shared intent to work collaboratively within the Eurasian group.
Building on Recent Diplomatic Thaw
This initiative builds upon the recent enhancement of cooperation between India and China in multilateral forums such as BRICS and the SCO. This positive trend follows the resolution of the military standoff in eastern Ladakh in 2024, which had previously strained relations.
Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi traveled to China last year to attend the SCO summit, while Beijing has pledged its support for India's ongoing BRICS presidency. These gestures highlight a mutual willingness to engage constructively.
Upcoming High-Level Visits and Expanded Dialogue
The consultations set the stage for further high-level engagements. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is likely to visit India for the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting scheduled for May 14-15. Additionally, President Xi Jinping is expected to travel to India in September for the summit, indicating a sustained diplomatic momentum.
During the recent meetings, both delegations jointly called on Secretary (West) Sibi George to review cooperation within the SCO framework. This review encompassed key areas such as security, trade, connectivity, and people-to-people ties, as detailed in the MEA statement.
India's Strategic Perspective on SCO Membership
India places high importance on its membership in the SCO, emphasizing the group's original objective to combat terrorism, radicalisation, and extremism. The country views the SCO as a crucial platform for fostering regional connectivity, provided such initiatives uphold the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity as enshrined in the SCO charter.
Reflecting this stance, Prime Minister Modi, while addressing the summit in Tianjin last year, remarked that connectivity which bypasses sovereignty ultimately loses both trust and meaning. This principle guides India's approach within the organisation.
Looking ahead, India and China have agreed to continue their bilateral consultations in the future, signaling a commitment to ongoing dialogue and cooperation within the SCO and beyond.
