PM Modi attends 22nd SCO Summit at Samarkand; Says, SCO needs to focus on bringing diversified, resilient supply chains
Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with leaders of SCO nations including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sarif, and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev are participating in the 22nd SCO Summit at Samarkand in Uzbekistan. Speaking at the SCO expanded format meet, Mr. Modi said several disruptions occurred in the global supply chains because of the COVID and Ukraine crisis. He stressed on the importance of ensuring food security for all saying that SCO plays an important role in this regard.
He said India believes in mutual trust and cooperation among the SCO member countries. He emphasised that SCO should try and develop resilient and diversified supply chains in the region for which better connectivity and transit rights among member countries are required. Mr. Modi said India’s youth and young workforce is competitive. He said the government’s people-centric development model lays focus on innovation and technology. He said there are more than 70 thousand Start Ups in India. He added that India’s economy is expected to grow at 7.5 per cent this year, which will be highest among the world’s major economies.
Prime Minister made a strong point for giving thrust to production of millets. He said 2023 will be observed as the International Year of Millets. He said Millet Food Festival should be organised under SCO. He also called for cooperation among SCO nations for in the sphere of traditional medicine. Besides leaders of SCO member states, observer states, the Secretary General of the SCO, Executive Director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), President of Turkmenistan and other invited guests are attending the meet.
Mr. Modi reached Uzbekistan last night. He was received by Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov at the airport. India has been working closely with Uzbekistan towards the success of their Chairship. On the sidelines of the SCO Summit, Prime Minister Modi will hold informal meetings with a number of leaders on matters of mutual interest. He will also take part in bilateral meetings scheduled to be held after the summit with Russia, Uzbekistan and Iran.
According to the Russian Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, deliberations will be held on defence cooperation and military supplies. The two leaders are expected to discuss the International North-South Transport Corridor, bilateral trade and trade with Central Asian countries, Cooperation within the UN and G-20, Strategic stability and the situation in the Indo-Pacific region. The Prime Minister will also hold bilateral meetings with the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
