Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister :

Participated in the SCO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at Tashkent. Highlighted that world faces an energy and food crisis due to disruptions from the Covid pandemic and Ukraine conflict. This needs to be urgently addressed.

Spoke of the economic progress in India, stressing the relevance of start-ups and innovation. Cooperation in traditional medicine is in the common interest of SCO members. Today’s meeting of Foreign Ministers was very useful in preparing for the Samarkand summit.

Reiterated India’s position on Afghanistan and highlighted our humanitarian support: wheat, medicines, vaccines and clothing. Underlined the potential of Chabahar port for SCO’s economic future.

Response required includes resilient and diversified supply chains as well as reformed multilateralism. Zero tolerance for terrorism in all its manifestations is a must.