SCO Summit 2023

Context

India hosted leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization for a virtual summit.The virtual summit under India’s presidency was attended by leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Iran as well. Major highlight from PM Modi’s address at SCO:

• Terrorism: Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a clarion call for SCO member nations to stand against terrorism for regional and global peace.
• India’s AI-based language platform Bhashini at SCO: He also talked about the impact of language barrier on the functioning of multi-nation platforms like SCO, and how India’s AI-based language platform Bhashini will help overcoming the obstruction. He said that Bhashini can become an example of digital technology and inclusive growth.
• Opportunities for youngsters from SCO:In his address he threw light upon major programs and conclaves have been organised to harness talent of the youth from SCO. He mentioned about platforms like the Young Scientist Conclave, Authors Conclave, Startup Forum, and Youth Council.
• Five pillars of cooperation within the SCO: PM elaborated upon the role of India in establishing five pillars of cooperation within the SCO. The five pillars he mentioned were Startup and innovation, traditional medicine, youth empowerment, digital inclusion, and shared Buddhist heritage.
• Food, fuel and fertiliser big challenge for world:In his opening remark, PM Modi mentioned the major challenge of food, fuel and fertilisers lying ahead of all the countries in the world that are surrounded by controversies, tensions and epidemics. He called for united efforts to deal with such problems.

What is ‘New Delhi declaration’?

• SCO members adopt ‘New Delhi declaration’
• “New Delhi declaration” coined by the Indian government proposed at SCO summit to fight against terrorism.
• It also proposed four other joint statements on
  • de-radicalisation
  • sustainable lifestyle to tackle climate change
  • production of millets
  • digital transformation

What is India’s take on BRI?

• India once again refused to endorse China’s Belt and Road Initiative, becoming the only nation at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit not to sign an agreement in support of the ambitious project.
• All member nations barring India supported China’s BRI in a joint declaration.
• The declaration issued at the end of the summit, hosted by India, said Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan reaffirmed their support for the BRI.