The 24th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of State Council is set to take place on July 3 and 4 in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. As the summit approaches, Indians are expressing optimism about the potential for increased connectivity and cooperation among SCO member countries.
In the bustling streets of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of the southern Indian state of Kerala, residents shared their thoughts on the forthcoming summit. Local resident Josekutty highlighted the significance of the SCO in strengthening India's ties with Central Asian nations. "It would be very useful for India to connect to the Central Asian countries through the SCO," he said, emphasizing the opportunities for economic and cultural exchange.
Amina, a student at the University of Kerala, echoed these sentiments. "The SCO can boost the connectivity of economy, trade, and culture among the members, providing opportunities and creating a greater market for them," she told CGTN. Amina believes that enhanced cooperation within the SCO framework will open new avenues for young people in India and across the region.
The SCO, established in 2001, is a political, economic, and security alliance that includes countries such as China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The organization aims to promote mutual trust and neighborliness among member states, and to encourage effective cooperation in politics, trade, the economy, and more.
For India, which became a full member of the SCO in 2017, the summit represents an opportunity to deepen its engagement with Central Asia and to collaborate on issues of regional security, trade, and connectivity. Analysts note that India's participation in the SCO aligns with its "Connect Central Asia" policy, which seeks to strengthen ties with the region through a multi-faceted approach.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, events like the SCO summit offer a platform for nations to address common challenges and to forge partnerships that can spur economic growth and stability. The anticipation among Indians reflects a broader hope that such cooperation will lead to tangible benefits for the people of the region.
With the summit on the horizon, the focus remains on how member countries can work together to build a more prosperous and secure future. The voices from Thiruvananthapuram underscore the eagerness of ordinary citizens to see their country play an active role on the international stage, fostering relationships that will shape the region's development in the years to come.
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What do Indians expect from the SCO Heads of State Council meeting?
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