Dushanbe, Sep 18: India has called for stronger economic and trade cooperation among Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) members, putting security, connectivity and opportunity at the centre of efforts to expand regional commerce and build more resilient supply chains.
The message was delivered at the 25th Meeting of SCO Ministers responsible for Foreign Economic and Foreign Trade Activities, held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, where member countries reviewed ways to deepen trade and economic engagement.
Representing India, Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce Yashvir Singh highlighted the significant economic potential within the SCO and stressed the need to turn that potential into practical outcomes through higher intra-SCO trade, lower trade costs and stronger connectivity.
India’s approach is built around three broad priorities—Security, Connectivity and Opportunity. The focus is aimed at creating a more stable environment for businesses, improving the movement of goods and opening new markets for entrepreneurs and companies across the region.
Focus on easier and faster trade
India highlighted the need to reduce the time and cost involved in cross-border trade. This includes simplifying customs procedures, expanding paperless trade, encouraging electronic exchange of trade documents and improving multimodal transport networks.
Better connectivity can help businesses move products more efficiently while reducing delays across supply chains. India also stressed the importance of strengthening transport and logistics links between SCO economies.
Building stronger supply chains
The meeting also saw India call for greater cooperation in strategic and emerging sectors, including agriculture, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and electronics.
With global supply chains facing repeated disruptions, greater diversification and cooperation among SCO economies could provide businesses with additional sourcing and market opportunities.
India also highlighted cooperation in energy security, renewable energy and green hydrogen, areas that are increasingly important for future economic growth.
Greater opportunities for MSMEs and startups
India placed particular emphasis on ensuring that smaller businesses are able to participate more actively in regional and global trade.
Digital payments, cross-border payment systems and easier access to trade finance can help MSMEs and startups reach new customers and markets while reducing some of the barriers associated with international business.
The broader objective is to increase the participation of SCO economies in global value chains and create opportunities that reach businesses and people beyond large corporations.
The ministers adopted a joint statement and agreed on a 2026–2030 Action Plan for implementing the SCO’s multilateral trade and economic cooperation programme. The plan will be submitted for approval by the SCO Council of Heads of Government. They also approved regulations for a special working group on the development of the creative economy.
India’s emphasis on security, connectivity and opportunity reflects the broader vision outlined at the SCO summit in Bishkek earlier this month, where the country called for these three pillars to be translated into concrete outcomes.
For businesses, the focus could mean greater attention to market access, efficient logistics, digital trade, resilient supply chains and new investment opportunities across the SCO region.
The next meeting of SCO ministers responsible for foreign economic and foreign trade activities is scheduled to be held in Uzbekistan in 2027.
