India, the present chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), represented by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, held the 18th meeting of the SCO National Security Advisors and top officials of the member countries in New Delhi.
Speaking at the SCO-NSA meeting, Doval said that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and its financing are among the most serious threats to international peace and security. Any act of terrorism, regardless of its motivation, is inexcusable. He added that if the member countries follow the objectives of the SCO, it can show them the path to meet future security challenges.
The Indian NSA said that connectivity remains a key priority for India. “We stand ready to cooperate on investing in and building connectivity in the region. While expanding connectivity, it’s important to ensure that such initiatives are consultative, transparent and participatory, and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries,” said Ajit Doval.
He further said India is also committed to fulfilling our obligations under the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and to the inclusion of the Chabahar port within the framework of INSTC.
While the SCO summit is set to take place in Goa this summer, India is holding a host of events leading up to it. The next important SCO meeting will be the defence ministers’ meeting scheduled to be held in Delhi from April 27-29.
An intergovernmental organisation established in 2001, SCO comprises eight member states, namely, India, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
