India has confirmed its attendance at the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Astana, Kazakhstan. The delegation is led by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, marking India’s active engagement in regional multilateralism.
Summit Details
The 24th SCO Summit is scheduled for July 4, 2024, where leaders will assess the organization’s progress and discuss key regional and international issues.
India’s Priorities
India’s participation aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “SECURE” vision:
- Security
- Economic Cooperation
- Connectivity
- Unity
- Respect for Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity
- Environmental Protection
SCO Presidency and India’s Role
In 2023, India chaired the SCO, hosting significant meetings virtually due to global circumstances.
Prime Minister’s Schedule
Prime Minister Modi will not attend the SCO Summit this year due to scheduled visits to Russia and Austria.
Background on SCO
- Founded in 2001, SCO includes India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
- India and Pakistan became full members in 2017, enhancing the SCO’s influence in Eurasia.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers:
- Which city is hosting the 2024 SCO Summit?
- A) Astana
- B) Shanghai
- C) Moscow
- D) New Delhi
- Answer: A) Astana
- Who is leading India’s delegation to the SCO Summit?
- A) Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- B) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar
- C) President Ram Nath Kovind
- D) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
- Answer: B) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar
- What does “SECURE” stand for in India’s priorities for the SCO Summit?
- A) Stability, Economic growth, Connectivity, Unity, Respect, Environmental protection
- B) Security, Economic cooperation, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, Environmental protection
- C) Sovereignty, Economic development, Connectivity, Unity, Respect, Environmental sustainability
- D) Stability, Economic progress, Connectivity, Unity, Respect, Environmental conservation
- Answer: B) Security, Economic cooperation, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, Environmental protection