PM Modi To Raise Terrorism Issue At SCO Summit Today; Jaishankar Discusses Border Row With China

S Jaishankar also travelled to Dushanbe to represent India at SCO meeting and hold talks over Afghanistan situation, its internal and external implications, and issues pertaining to regional security.

PM Narendra Modi/ File Photo

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to virtually address the plenary session of the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit today, held in Tajikistan’s capital Dushanbe. As per several media reports, the ongoing Afghanistan termoil will dominate the agenda of the summit howevere the Prime Minister is unlikely to name Taliban in his statement, in keeping with India’s statements on Afghanistan at UNSC and UNHRC. 

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also travelled to Dushanbe to represent India at the 21st SCO meeting and hold talks over the Afghanistan situation,  its internal and external implications, and issues pertaining to regional security.

S Jaishankar also met China Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the summit. The two leaders discussed the disengagement in the border areas. S Jaishankar emphasised that progress in the disengagement process in eastern Ladakh was essential for restoration of peace and tranquillity.

"Discussed disengagement in our border areas. Underlined that progress in this regard is essential for restoration of peace and tranquillity, which is the basis for the development of bilateral ties," Jaishankar tweeted. 

After the meeting, Jaishankar said both sides also exchanged views on global developments and that India India does not subscribe to any clash of civilisations theory.

"It is also essential that China does not view its relations with India through the lens of a third country," Jaishankar said. adding "As for Asian solidarity, it is for China and India to set an example." 

It is to be noted that this is the first SCO meet being held in-person and virsual, and the fourth where India will take part as a full-fledged member. The summit, chaired by Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon, will see several world leaders including Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan among.