India calls upon SCO member-states to work together to defeat terrorism, combat climate change

India on Saturday called upon the member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to strengthen and implement all existing international laws "without exception and double standards" to combat terrorism and its enablers. Addressing the 18th meeting of Council of Heads and Governments (CHGs) of the SCO countries as the special envoy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tashkent in Uzbekistan, Singh urged the SCO, of which Pakistan is also a member, to work together in defeating challenges like terrorism, climate change, endemic poverty, underdevelopment, pandemics, and inequality.

Singh "called upon the member countries of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to strengthen and implement all existing international laws and mechanisms, without exceptions or double standards, to combat terrorism and its enablers", according to a statement issued by the Defence Ministry here. "Terrorism continues to disrupt our societies and undermine our developmental endeavors. It is important for SCO countries to come together to deal with this menace," Singh added.

Emphasizing that "unilateralism and protectionism have done well to none", he reiterated India's commitment to a transparent, rules-based, open, inclusive and non-discriminatory multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organisation at its center. "We need approaches, which are inclusive, transparent and firmly anchored in multilateralism. Successful multilateralism also needs adherence to core principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference, and mutual cooperation," he added.

Singh also said India is ready to share its experience and expertise in skill development and capacity building in areas such as telemedicine, medical tourism, resource mapping, the launching of satellites, agricultural education and effective and affordable pharmaceuticals. He congratulated Russia for successfully holding the SCO joint military exercise 'CENTER 2019' in Orenburg, aimed at evolving drills of the participating armies in the fight against international terrorism.

Singh also voiced the government's resolve of providing an enabling economic ecosystem for partner countries to invest and do business in India. He listed out various initiatives taken by the government in this regard including relaxing FDI reforms, allowing 100 percent foreign investment in coal mining and contract manufacturing, easing sourcing norms for single-brand retailers and approving 26 percent overseas investment in digital media.

Highlighting the government's 'Make in India' program, the Defence Minister invited SCO countries to enter into collaborative joint ventures in India, saying that significant work has already been undertaken towards improving 'Ease of Doing Business' in the country. "We strongly support the initiative to facilitate cooperation among small and medium-sized enterprises within the SCO. The food industry is another potential area of collaboration. SCO members can work together for technology and investment support to food processing and put in a supporting logistics chain," he said.

Singh said economic cooperation is the foundation cementing the future of the people and ensuring them a better life. He also invited SCO Member states to join the 'Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure'. India has taken the initiative of launching the coalition to assist countries in upgrading their capacities for developing resilient infrastructure.

"India would be holding Joint Urban Earthquake Search and Rescue exercise of SCO member States along with SCO Expert level meeting on disaster prevention later this week," he added. Singh said India is honored to host the next meeting of Council of Heads of Government in 2020. In the run-up to the meeting, he said, India is planning to organize a series of events aimed at enhancing trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation among SCO Members.

Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov, Prime Ministers and Heads of Delegation of SCO Member States, Secretary-General of SCO Vladimir Norov and Executive Director of Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) Jumakhon Giyosov also participated in the meeting.