Indian Council of World Affairs

Athar Zafar: Friends, the SCO Secretary General, His Excellency Mr Nurlan Yermekhbayev, has arrived. Please rise to welcome him. Thank you. A very good afternoon to the dignitaries on the dais and to all esteemed members of the audience, members of the diplomatic corps, respected academics, media representatives and students. We have gathered here for the 51st Sapru House Lecture. Before we begin the program, I kindly request that you switch off your mobile phones or set them to silent mode. Thank you. I am Dr Athar Zafar, Senior Research Fellow and Head of the SCO Study Centre at the Indian Council of World Affairs. Today's lecture will be delivered by His Excellency Mr Nurlan Yermekhbayev, Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, on the topic of SCO in India, Strengthening Regional Synergies for Cooperation in Eurasia. This lecture is hosted by the SCO Study Centre, established within the Indian Council of World Affairs in 2021, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs of India. This is the only study centre in India as of date dedicated to the research and analysis on SCO.

Today's Sapru House Lecture will be chaired by Ambassador Nutan Kapoor Mahawar, Acting Director General and Additional Secretary, Indian Council of World Affairs. Madam Mahawar will begin with the opening remarks, after which we will proceed with the 51st Sapru House Lecture by our esteemed guest, His Excellency Mr Nurlan Yermekhbayev, Secretary General of the SCO. We will have a brief Q&A session after the lecture, which will be moderated by the Chair. Let me now invite the Acting Director General, Ms Nutan Kapoor Mahawar, to deliver her welcome remarks and conduct the proceedings. Thank you, Madam.

Nutan Kapoor Mahawar: Excellencies, members of the Diplomatic Corps, members of the media, students and friends, we are honored to host His Excellency Mr Nurlan Yermekhbayev, Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation today for the Sapru House Lecture on SCO and India, Strengthening Regional Synergies for Cooperation in Eurasia. It is a privilege to have you deliver the 51st lecture in the prestigious Sapru House Lecture Series of the Indian Council of World Affairs, which has previously featured several dignitaries, including Presidents, Prime Ministers, as well as the Secretaries General of multilateral bodies, including the UN, ASEAN and IORA.

Friends, His Excellency Mr Nurlan Yermekhbayev is a distinguished personality with a unique blend of military, diplomatic, academic and government experience. Having served in various high-profile roles and key government positions, he brings enormously rich experience to his office. He has been Lieutenant General, Ambassador, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Secretary of the Security Council, Minister of Religious Affairs and Civil Society and Minister of Defense of Kazakhstan, former Deputy Secretary General of the SCO and its Secretary General now. He is also an accomplished author. His professional journey is truly commendable. On behalf of the Council, I extend our sincere congratulations to him on assuming the office of Secretary General of the SCO in January 2025.

Your Excellency, you have assumed the office of SG-SCO at a pivotal and dynamic time, not only for the SCO region, but for the world at large. SCO itself is undergoing a significant phase of expansion and transformation. In the last 25 years, it has made remarkable contributions in fostering cooperation across political, security, economic, cultural and public health areas. The organisation holds immense potential to play a pivotal role at a time when a new world order is emerging, characterised by increasing multipolarity. With Central Asia as its main focus, SCO has to make its own contribution to the geopolitical shifts currently underway in the Eurasian region and beyond.

India attaches great importance to the development of multifaceted cooperation in the SCO and to the promotion of peace, stability, economic development, prosperity and closer interaction between our peoples. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has articulated India's priorities within the organisation through the vision of a secure SCO, an agenda that emphasises security, economic cooperation, unity, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and environmental protection.

Friends, why is India in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation? The answer to that is to have a say in and contribute to matters pertaining to Eurasian security and development as a key Eurasian country. Dynamics of continental Eurasia have had a direct bearing on India's security, economy, and cultural calculus since millennia, as well as its ethnic diversity, and our destinies are interlinked. The region's history and lived experiences shape our current outlook. Stability in Eurasia, therefore, makes for a conducive environment for India's own growth story and well-being.

That is why India takes the position on terrorism and extremism that it does. Regional cooperation to wipe out terrorism is a mission as far as India is concerned, and we are appreciative of the work of the SCO regional anti-terrorist structure in this regard. We do not wish to see extremist ideologies in operation all along the arc from Chechnya and Dagestan to Xinjiang. Deradicalisation is a mantra for us, and we hope to see SCO strengthen its work in this regard.

Strengthened connectivity and regional peace and stability have the potential to build upon each other. The importance of overland connectivity is lost on no one. SCO faces the challenge of overcoming the geopolitics of the region, not the least to ensure unimpeded transit.

SCO is home to myriad ethnicities, traditions, and valuable philosophies, and every culture in the SCO space is a great repository of wisdom. India sees high value in the platform that SCO represents for cultural exchange, for enhanced mutual understanding.

India's regional connectivity initiative of the International North-South Transport Corridor, its climate-friendly global initiatives such as International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Mission Life, and its strengths in MSME and digital public infrastructure are highly relevant to the SCO and its member countries, offering significant opportunities for mutual benefit.

As the SCO strengthens and grows, the addition of English as a third official language will further facilitate and enhance communication as well as understanding during dialogues in various SCO fora, making the organisation functionally more productive and effective.

With this, let me invite the Secretary General, His Excellency Mr Nurlan Yermekhbayev. We look forward to hear your views on how SCO and India can work together for the further strengthening of dialogue and cooperation in Eurasia. You have the floor, Excellency. Thank you.

 

Nurlan Yermekhbayev: Acting Director General of the ICWA Ms. Nutan Kapoor Mahawar, Excellencies Ambassadors, Colleagues, Ladies and gentlemen, first of all, let me express my gratitude to the Indian Council of World Affairs for giving me the opportunity to address such a distinguished gathering of experts and analysts.

Also allow me to convey my greetings to you on the recent occasion of the 76th Republic Day of India.

It is an honour to take the floor at such an important think tank.

The topic of my speech today is "The SCO and India: Strengthening Regional Synergies for Cooperation in Eurasia". This issue is very relevant and extremely important for the further development of the SCO and the entire Eurasian continent. SCO itself being an organization of Eurasian countries.

In my address, I will try to highlight the multifaceted activities of the SCO, emphasizing India's significant contribution to the development of multilateral relations, as well as present the existing potential for progressive expansion of cooperation.

Today, the world is going through an era of significant and profound changes affecting all aspects of international relations, from politics to economics. Against the backdrop of these transformations, a new world order is emerging, opening up wide opportunities for the development of countries and strengthening partnerships.

Under these conditions, the role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is of particular importance. The choice made by the SCO Member States at the beginning of the 21st century has become a vivid example of the harmony of good-neighborly and cooperative relations and continues to serve as evidence of the strength and steadfastness of the "Shanghai spirit".

We often speak of Shanghai Spirit, but what does it mean? They include, in my view, mutual equality, consultations and respect for consultations, etc. That is why SCO is good venue for addressing seemingly intractable problems.

The SCO provides a unique platform for addressing regional and global challenges, such as security, economic development and cultural interaction. In the context of the growing competition among multilateral formats, the SCO plays an important role in supporting stability and strengthening mutual trust between States. This word, competition, here is being used in a positive sense. This means that the SCO adapts quickly to the evolving situation.

Each participating country, in turn, has the opportunity to show its initiative and influence, which contributes to a more balanced and mutually beneficial development of the region as a whole.

It is important to understand that the SCO is not an alliance focused on confrontation with other states and regions. On the contrary, we firmly adhere to the principle of openness, offering opportunities to develop and deepen cooperation in various forms with interested countries, as well as with other international and regional organizations, while respecting the diversity of cultures. The SCO is a creative organization.

 

It is fundamentally important for peoples to independently choose the path of their political and socio-economic development, as well as the peaceful settlement of conflicts on the basis of equality, non-interference in internal affairs, sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

The SCO has consistently adhered to the principle that bilateral disputes are not subject to discussion within its institutions. This principle was reaffirmed at the Astana Summit, during which the Statement of the Council of Heads of State on the Principles of Good-Neighbourliness, Trust and Partnership was adopted. The SCO focuses on promoting joint cooperation in areas that are important to all its Member States.

The SCO is called upon to play a more active role in promptly responding to major events, especially on the territory of its members. That is one of the reasons, why the leaders of the SCO countries initiated the process of reform and modernization. The events taking place in the region cannot go unnoticed, and timely, coordinated steps of the organization will not only be the key to strengthening regional security, but also clear evidence of the readiness of the Member States to solve global and local problems together, which will ensure the stability and further development of the entire region.

In the context of the current geopolitical tensions, the SCO actively comes up with initiatives aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the global context.

One of these initiatives was the SCO Initiative "On World Unity for a Just Peace, Harmony and Development", proposed at the summit in Astana. This initiative underlines the SCO's unwavering commitment to the formation of a more representative, democratic, just and multipolar world order.

Also, I would like to mention two more global ideas put forth by the leaders of our countries, which has also been reflected in the Astana summit declaration in 2024.

The SCO, taking into account the views of the Member States, confirms the relevance of initiatives to promote cooperation in building a new type of international relations in the spirit of mutual respect, justice, equality and mutually beneficial cooperation.

 

I would like to come to the idea itself - the formation of a common vision of the idea of creating a community with a shared future for mankind. Also of particular importance is the idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – "One Earth, One Family, One Future", articulated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which emphasizes the importance of global solidarity and mutual respect in achieving common prosperity.

We commend India's message of striving for fair and equitable growth for all countries of the world, based on sustainability, integrity, responsibility and inclusion. This unique Indian approach is ideally combined with the provisions of the SCO Charter and the Treaty on Long-Term Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation of the SCO Member States.

India, having become an observer in the SCO in 2005, has established itself as an important partner in strengthening peace and security in Eurasia. Given New Delhi's active engagement with the SCO, India was admitted as a Member State in 2017.

Under the chairmanship of India in 2020, a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the SCO was held in the format of a videoconference, and in 2022-2023, India chaired the Organization, presenting the slogan of the chairmanship: SECURE. During its presidency, India organized a number of significant events to promote the creative potential of the Organization.

Today, India continues to introduce new ideas and initiatives aimed at developing regional cooperation based on the principles of mutual respect and consideration of the interests of all participants. This invariably confirms the role of India as a reliable and strategic participant in the SCO.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Every year, the SCO strengthens its efforts to counter traditional and non-traditional challenges and threats to security, deepens cooperation to ensure regional security.

The commitment to the fight against terrorism, separatism and extremism remains unchanged. Any attempts to harbor terrorists or facilitate terrorist activities are strongly condemned by the SCO.

Under these conditions, the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure in Tashkent pays special attention to the practical implementation of measures provided for by the Shanghai Convention on Combating Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism, the SCO Convention against Terrorism, the SCO Convention on Countering Extremism, the Program of Cooperation of the SCO Member States in Countering Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism for 2025-2027.

The List of Terrorist, Separatist and Extremist Organizations Banned in the Territories of the SCO Member States is regularly updated. Today it includes more than 200 organizations. There are more than 10,000 persons in the Unified Search Register of the SCO Member States.

The SCO anti-terrorist exercises are held annually. In 2024, China hosted joint exercises of the special services. The successful conduct of the exercises was not only a test of the quality of collaboration between the competent authorities of the SCO Member States, accumulated over the years of cooperation, but also contributed to increasing the technical and tactical capabilities of the anti-terrorist forces.

The SCO is actively working to improve the mechanisms for countering security challenges and threats, including the creation of the Universal Center for Countering Challenges and Threats to the Security of the SCO Member States in Tashkent, including the Information Security Center and the Center for Combating Organized Crime in Bishkek, on the basis of the RATS. The parties are also planning to establish the SCO Anti-Drug Center in Dushanbe as an independent Body.

Mechanisms to combat transnational crime, including human trafficking are being strengthened. These crimes violate human rights, destroy lives and require an international response. An example of such efforts was the 19th meeting of the Prosecutors General, at which the fight against trafficking in persons, especially women and children, was designated as a key task.

Of particular concern to the Eurasian region are the problems of drug production and trafficking in the Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle areas, as well as the growing use of the Darknet and cryptocurrencies for drug trafficking.

In this context, India has an important role to play in jointly developing measures to eliminate global drug production, eradicate illicit crops and respond to the emergence of new synthetic drugs.

An important step in this field was the adoption of the SCO Anti-Drug Strategy for 2024-2029 and the Action Plan for its implementation.

Another important mechanism is the Meeting of Presidents of Supreme Courts. In March 2023, the XVIII Meeting of the Chief Justices of the Supreme Courts of the SCO Member States was successfully held in New Delhi under the chairmanship of the Indian side.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, we are witnessing tectonic shifts taking place in the global economy, which are characterized by a rapid increase in achievements and interconnectedness in the fields of information technology, digitalization, artificial intelligence, virtual assets, e-commerce, etc. Protectionist measures and other impediments to international trade have exacerbated various challenges, resulting in reduced investment flows, disrupted supply chains and uncertainty in global financial markets.

A gradual transition to the free movement of goods, capital and services remains one of the goals of the SCO. Here we are talking not about Free Trade Zones, but about facilitating movement of goods and their trade.

At various venues, there is a huge potential for mutually beneficial cooperation of the SCO in the economic sphere, due to the complementarity of markets and economic structures, transit opportunities, colossal natural and human resources of the member states. All our States also have mental and physical connections to each other. The steady growth of mutual trade turnover (estimated by the Secretariat to reach $650 billion in 2023, 29% more than 2022), is encouraging, and indicates the existence of a solid basis for further strengthening economic ties in the SCO space.

In recent years alone, cooperation in a number of new relevant areas has received a new impetus. The efforts of the Member States were focused on jointly solving new challenges for digital transformation, decarbonization of the economy, expansion of mutual settlements in national currencies, promotion of startups and innovations.  

The SCO Economic Development Strategy for the period up to 2030 is being implemented, reflecting the coordinated approaches of interested member states to expanding economic cooperation.

Now, negotiations continue on the creation of mechanisms for financial support of project activities, in particular, there are options for establishing - the Development Bank, the Development Fund (Special Account) and the Investment Fund - in SCO framework.

Systematic work is underway to implement the Roadmap of the SCO Member States for a gradual increase in the share of national currencies in mutual settlements. It is under discussion in the framework of the relevant expert group. The efforts of the interested stakeholders within the framework of this Roadmap are aimed at stimulating mutual settlements in national currencies between the Member States of the SCO. 

The aforementioned three projects are being realized in the format of “interested States”.

During last year's SCO Astana Summit, the heads of our States spoke in favour of further deepening people-centred cooperation in order to improve the well-being and living standards. In this regard, the most important task for us today is to transform the agreements reached into large-scale infrastructural, industrial, energy, technological and humanitarian projects. To do this, it is necessary to build a more effective and pragmatic model of trade and economic cooperation that is resistant to emerging risks, while being able to bring tangible dividends and benefits to our countries, not depending on any bilateral disputes or issues.

 

In this regard, the maximum use of the resources of the Business Council and the Interbank Association, the Association of Investors, the Meeting of Heads of Ports and Logistics Centers of the SCO Member States, the use of the potential of various centers of cross-border cooperation, pilot zones, transport and logistics hubs and fairs and exhibitions seems promising.

For example, we have SCO-China Demonstration Zone for Trade and Cooperation in Qingdao, China and SCO Demonstration Base for Exchange of Information and Study of Agricultural Technology in the city of Yangling, China.

The SCO can also stimulate the development of effective cooperation by setting up targeted incentives, regimes and tariffs for enterprises and citizens of Member States under the auspices of the SCO.

I am confident that India, with its colossal demographic, economic, intellectual and technological resources, can bring a lot of useful and new cooperation within the SCO, while drawing dividends for its own development. For example, this applies to agriculture, taking into account the scale of the agro-industrial complex, India's tremendous experience in the development of crops resistant to drought and limited water resources, such as millets. Great prospects for mutually beneficial collaboration are seen in the field of modern pharmaceutical production, information and communication services, where India also occupies one of the leading positions on a global scale. Without the participation of India, located at the junction of East and West, it is also difficult to fully strengthen the transport connectivity of the SCO region.

Cooperation in the energy sector received a new impetus in connection with the adoption of the Strategy for the Development of Energy Cooperation of the SCO Member States for the Period up to 2030 during the Astana Summit on July 3-4, 2024. India, which promotes the expansion of renewable energy sources, will make a huge contribution to the successful implementation of this Strategy.

We acknowledge that bilateral relationship between the SCO States have been developing rapibly. But we acknowledge the lack of any major economic projects have been implemented under the auspices of the SCO created by at least 3 countries. So far, concrete achievements in this area are quite modest and much remains to be done to consistently obtain the desired practical result.

The SCO is rapidly developing cultural and humanitarian cooperation, and India plays a significant role in this process, actively contributing to the preservation and promotion of cultural diversity and in protection of the cultural and natural heritage of the region.

In addition, on April 12-13, 2023, the Conference of Young Authors of the SCO Member States was successfully held in New Delhi. The next conference is planned to be held in 2025, which will continue to discuss pertinent topics such as intercultural cooperation, dialogue of civilizations and the development of scientific ties between the SCO Member States based on respect for different philosophical approaches and worldviews.

The cinema Scope project and the SCO Mumbai Film Festival in 2023 were important milestones in cultural exchange. The presented works revealed to the audience of the SCO countries the unique aspects of Indian culture, history and social dynamics, allowing them to find common themes and concepts that bring people together, despite the difference in languages and traditions. In 2025, the SCO Film Festival will be held in China. I am sure that we will also be able to appreciate the work of film directors from the SCO countries, including India.

An example of successful cooperation was the project to designate a tourist and cultural capital of the SCO. Many events were organized in Varanasi, which became the first cultural and tourist capital of the SCO region for 2022-2023.

The SCO has significant potential for the development of rural, gastronomic, medical and ecological tourism, actively introducing modern technologies to improve infrastructure. An important step is to explore the possibility of simplifying the visa regime, which will open up new horizons to attract tourists from Member countries and all over the world.

In order to fully unlock the tourism potential of the SCO, it would be useful to reach a multilateral agreement on visa facilitation. Currently, this work is being done, but on bilateral basis, mostly.

For our part, we believe it is possible to consider the creation of favourable conditions in the migration sphere, in particular, the introduction of "green corridors" at border checkpoints. This will significantly reduce administrative barriers, strengthen trust and open up new opportunities for the development of tourism and business ties. In addition, such a measure will be an important step towards a more integrated and open region, where citizens will be able to fully use the benefits of participation in the SCO.

Health is another important area to which Member States pay great attention. Since 2010, the mechanism of the Meeting of Ministers of Health has been functioning, which sets the course for the development of cooperation in the field of health through the adoption of appropriate plans.

Joint efforts to build cooperation in the field of digitalization of healthcare remain in demand. Within the framework of the SCO, a new promising area was opened - cooperation in the field of telemedicine. This area responds to the challenges of our time and creates opportunities to improve the quality of medical care. In order to develop this area, the Concept of Cooperation between the Authorized Bodies of the SCO Member States in the Field of Telemedicine was adopted.

India has made a significant contribution to the development of cooperation in the field of traditional medicine. It was India’s initiative to establish a relevant working group. During the Samarkand summit in 2022, an Expert Working Group on Traditional Medicine was established.

Since 2008, meetings of the heads of services of the SCO member states responsible for ensuring the sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the population have been held. It is important to note that following the Astana SCO Summit, the Heads of State adopted a Statement on Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation. In this context, it seems promising to create a mechanism within the SCO format to promote the introduction and development of water-saving technologies, which will contribute to solving pressing water supply problems in the region.

Another remarkable contribution made by India to SCO is in the field of startups and innovation. Since 2022, the Special Working Group on Startups and Innovations has been operating within the SCO.

The annual Startup Forums held by the Indian side since 2020 provide unique opportunities for the development of joint projects. I would especially like to note the latest SCO Startup Forum, which was held in New Delhi in March 2024 as part of the Mahakumbh Startup. There were master classes held and exhibition kiosks allowed participants to showcase their innovations.

India has been active in the field of prevention and elimination of emergency situations within the framework of the SCO. We highly appreciate the holding of the last two Meetings of the Heads of Departments of the SCO Member States dealing with the prevention and elimination of emergency situations under the chairmanship of the Indian side in 2019 and 2023. This is a very important mechanism for discussing mechanisms for responding to natural disasters and other emergencies.

 

At the same time, we see it expedient to consider the possibility of creating an SCO Assistance Fund (it is just a working name) designed to provide humanitarian assistance to Member States and Dialogue Partners in case of emergencies. Such a fund will be able to significantly increase the efficiency of the SCO's work, provide support to the affected countries.

 

Cooperation in the field of environmental protection in the SCO has yielded significant results, including the creation of a common ecological policy agenda and the expansion of the regulatory framework. In 2024, the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Ecology and Protection of Environment was signed, and 2025 was declared the SCO Year of Sustainable Development by the Chinese Chairmanship. These efforts reflect H.E. Narendra Modi's call to make the Lifestyle for Environment (Mission Life) movement a key element of the global environmental agenda.

Within the framework of the Organization, the Special Working Group of the SCO Member States on Poverty Reduction, which has been initiated by Pakistani colleague, began its activities in 2023, which is aimed at promoting the implementation of SDG No. 1 – “Eradicate poverty in all its forms everywhere”. In May this year, a Forum on Sustainable Development and Eradication of Poverty will be held in Yangling, China.

It is gratifying that the work of experts in this direction is being carried out, including in the form of fundamental scientific research. Seminars, round tables and forums are held to analyze the causes of poverty.

Cooperation in the field of education is actively developing, and the SCO University, which includes 75 universities from 6 countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, China, Russia and Belarus), plays a significant role in this process. We once again invite India to join the SCO University Framework. For the period from 2010 to 2023, more than 1800 students successfully completed master's studies in joint educational programs of the SCO University. It is a virtual network of universities.

An important step towards the further development of cooperation between universities of the SCO Member States was the holding of various educational events, such as Education Weeks, Forums of University Rectors and Forums of Rectors of Civil Service Academies.

In 2025, China will host the XV Education Week of the SCO Member States called "Education Without Borders". We hope that this event will not only become an important milestone in strengthening educational ties, but will also contribute to expanding the list of SCO participants by joining universities from India, Iran, Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

The SCO supports sport events that contribute to strengthening friendship and promoting a healthy lifestyle. In this, the role of India, which since 2018 has been regularly organizing yoga sessions at the headquarters of the Organization, strengthening the sports and spiritual ties between the SCO countries, should be noted.

Cooperation is being strengthened in the field of contacts between people, especially between women and youth, public diplomacy institutes and cultural centers, and the media.

One of the important tools of public diplomacy is the honorary title of "SCO Goodwill Ambassador", the purpose of which is to draw attention to the key tasks and values of the Organization. We hope that India will present its candidacy, for their SCO goodwill Ambassador, which will provide a unique opportunity to learn more about its rich culture, musical heritage and sporting achievements. We are working on improving the Terms and Conditions of the SCO goodwill Ambassadors.

These examples clearly demonstrate India's contribution to the progressive development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation, and I am confident that the Member States will continue to work together to promote mutual understanding between the SCO countries and the development of inter-civilizational dialogue.

 

I would like to mention that of course security issues are the corner stone of SCO. But we emphasize comprehensive security outlook. Security issues can’t be solved without sustainably addressing socio-economic challenges That is why we have expanded cooperation in SCO into so many different spheres.

Dear Colleagues,

The SCO family is growing steadily, and today includes 2 Observer States and 14 Dialogue Partners. Of these, 8 countries joined in just the last 3 years - from 2022 to 2024. In addition, Member States are actively considering applications from other countries to join the SCO or to upgrade their status in the Organization.

Cooperation with the United Nations occupies a key place in the international activities of the SCO. Our relations with the UN Secretariat and its specialized agencies are strong and multifaceted. UN Secretary General António Guterres noted that the SCO and the UN are the two largest international organizations, praising the role of the SCO in ensuring stability and sustainable development in the region.

In addition, the SCO regularly holds meetings with regional organizations with which partnership relations have been established, including the CSTO, the CIS, the EAEU, the CICA, the ECO and the Arab League. The establishment of official relations with the UNECE, the UNCTAD, the CARICC, the INCB, the UNIDO, the WHO, and the Interpol is under work.

The importance of the "voice of the SCO" in the international arena continues to grow, which is confirmed by the invitation of the SCO to take part in the ASEAN and BRICS summits last year, where the key goals and objectives of the SCO were put forth.

Well, all of this is only a small part of our broad and multifaceted activities aimed at promoting peace and stability.

In the face of rapid global change, it is extremely important that the SCO remains flexible and effective. An important aspect is the implementation of the initiatives of the leaders of the Member States, the creation of a structured and transparent management system, as well as the strengthening of partnerships with Dialogue Partners, Observers and international organizations, the optimization of the legal framework, as well as the strengthening of personnel, financial and linguistic support. All these issues are being discussed under the process of reform and modernization.

In this context, the SCO Forum can play a special role, within the framework of which important initiatives can be considered with the involvement of scientists and experts. This year's chairmanship of the Indian Council of World Affairs in the SCO Forum represents a unique opportunity to develop cooperation between research and political science centres of the SCO Member States, Observers and Dialogue Partners.

I am confident that the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) will make this mechanism a truly effective and effective tool for improving the practical impact of joint efforts.

We express our sincere gratitude to the ICWA for organizing a Program for SCO Resident Researchers. This unique initiative provided young scientists from SCO Member States with the opportunity to spend a month in India, where they met with leading experts and visited academic and research institutions.

The compendium "TOWARDS A SECURE SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANIZATION" prepared by the ICWA serves as an example of how to work and represents an important contribution to understanding the prospects, challenges and ways of further development of the Organization. We are confident that similar efforts should be supported by other countries, and we hope that the ICWA will continue this valuable practice.

Dear friends,

The SCO occupies a central place in the system of international relations, being an important tool for strengthening peace and stability. Its potential makes it possible to effectively respond to global challenges and actively promote friendly cooperation.

As you know, China is chairing the SCO this year, choosing the motto of its chairmanship: "Carrying forward the Shanghai Spirit: SCO in Action". It is a very dynamic motto. In total around 200 events will be held this year, including the events of the chairing side and those proposed by other Member States.

I am convinced that the Chair and other Member States will certainly continue to put forward constructive proposals aimed at developing the SCO and strengthening its contribution to global processes. The Secretariat, in turn, will make every effort to bring our cooperation to a new qualitative level, expanding the SCO's participation in regional and international affairs.

We intend to focus our efforts on deepening cooperation with the scientific community, including the Indian Council of World Affairs.

I hope that today's meeting, as the first step in our joint cooperation, will play an important role in the formation of new ideas and proposals, as well as open new horizons for us to strengthen mutual ties.

In conclusion, I would like to once again express my sincere gratitude to everyone for their attention and for the opportunity to speak to you.

Thank you for your attention!

Nutan Kapoor Mahawar:  Thank you, Excellency. We are immensely thankful to the Secretary General for delivering the 51st Sapru House lecture at ICWA this afternoon. Your lecture has provided us with a profound insight into the evolving dynamics of the SCO and its growing significance on the global stage.

As we navigate an interconnected world, the role of the SCO has never been more critical amidst the ongoing global geopolitical tumult. Your perspectives on the importance of regional cooperation, the integration of diverse cultures and the strengthening of security and economic ties resonate deeply with India's commitment to fostering peace, stability and shared prosperity in the region.

We are particularly encouraged by your assessment that the role of multilateral regional organisations is increasing amidst the geopolitical shifts underway and your emphasis on the SCO's expanding role and the potential for deeper collaboration among Member States.

Friends, the Secretary General has provided us with much food for thought sparking many inquisitive minds and stimulating curiosity. We thank the Secretary General for kindly agreeing to take a few questions from the audience. I will now open the floor for questions. To begin with, we can take three questions and I kindly request that each participant identifies himself before asking the question or making an observation and please keep your questions brief so that we can encourage greater participation.

Ashok Sajjanhar: Thank you very much, Chair, and thank you very much, Mr Secretary General, for this very elaborate and comprehensive presentation. But before that, let me extend on my behalf a very warm welcome to you and my warmest felicitations on taking over as the Secretary General of this very important organisation. I'm sure that under your leadership, this is going to touch new highs. Now, as I said, Mr Secretary General, you have covered so much of all the activities of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation that it leaves very little to imagination or to pose any question whatsoever. But let me ask you two questions. One is, Excellency, you have mentioned about some of the aspects of the SDGs, of the Sustainable Development Goals. You mentioned about poverty, that there is going to be, there's been some discussions, something is going to happen in 2025 in China. Can the SCO, because one of the aspects that COVID-19 and all the conflicts, what they have impacted upon, particularly the developing world, is the progress for attaining the SDGs. We are supposed to realise the SDGs by 2030. But most of the countries have gone back. So has the SCO given some thought to it, or can it give some thought to it as to how in a comprehensive way, in an all-encompassing way, how the SDGs that have retracted, whether it is in health, whether it is in employment, you mentioned about poverty, of course, but so many others, women empowerment, how they can be taken forward.

My second question, Mr Secretary General, is on, you mentioned about tourism, you mentioned about visa facilitation, what about some flights, direct flights between the SCO Member States, because that is going to help also tourism in a big way, people-to-people connect in a big way, and, of course, promote understanding amongst the countries of, the member countries of the SCO . Thank you very much.

Nutan Kapoor Mahawar:  Thank you, Ambassador Sajjanhar. Who's next? We'll take three together, and then you can answer.

Anwesha Ghosh: Thank you, Chair. Good afternoon, sir. I am Dr Anwesha Ghosh, a researcher working on Afghanistan. The SCO membership and the dialogue partner status has expanded primarily to the Gulf and West Asian countries. What is the significance of the same from SCO's perspective? Thank you.

Nutan Kapoor Mahawar:  Who's next? Yes?

Aman:  Good afternoon, sir. I am Aman, I'm a research scholar at Centre for Russian and Central Asian Studies, JNU. So my question is about, in an evolving multipolar world order, where do you see SCO in it, and what role do you think SCO has as a catalyst for facilitating this multipolarity? Thank you, sir.

Nutan Kapoor Mahawar: Yes, yes, please. How can SCO facilitate the move to multipolarity? So, yes, please. You can answer. Yes, all three. Yes.

Nurlan Yermekhbayev: Thank you for questions and interest for SCO activities. And Excellency Ambassador Sajjanhar, I would try to answer your very complicated and very big issue and question regarding sustainable development goals. It is a big challenge not only for SCO, but for entire world and for the United Nations as well and we received some analytical reports and paperwork noting that Sustainable Development Goals meet some difficulties in being implemented in time, which has been agreed and planned. And some experts see some disbalances in overall global work on the reaching of this Sustainable Development Goals. And the main 17 aspects of it.

And in this regard, SCO is now working on creating our own. When I say our own means Member States, Member States' vision of how to contribute to fulfilling this SDG. And some countries have even Special Representatives on these important issues. And we appreciate China's decision to make this year, 2025, a year of sustainable development. And a number--a series of different events are taking place. And as I said, there will be, maybe, the most important event in this regard held in May in Yangling City in China, devoted to eradication of poverty and sustainable development. And also we are thinking now on organising another event in the end of the year, also discussing the sustainable development issues and how SCO countries may work out their own goals and their own plans for contributing to the global efforts.

But, all activities in SCO and all decisions are made by member countries. And that's why it depends on the member countries' decisions. Because it is a very multifaceted issue, includes a lot of aspects. And our main task as a secretariat, as an executive body, is provide all necessary assistance and contribution and support to Member States in realising, in implementation of the decisions they have made. That's why we are now just working together with Member States to work out such a plan.

And regarding visa facilitation issue and direct flights issue, I completely agree that it is, although it does not seem very strategic or political issue, but they have a very big practical meaning. And visa issues are now settled mostly on bilateral basis, and a number of SCO member countries have visa-free agreements already in force. We are not now talking and setting the goal of establishing a visa-free zone, similar to Schengen, within SCO member countries. But there are serious plans and agreements between Member States to facilitate visa regimes between Member States, especially, first of all, for tourist groups. And the Ministers of Tourism, during their meeting last year, they agreed to work out a special plan on facilitating and liberalising visa regimes for tourist groups of all member countries. And as far as I know, a number of new direct flights have been opened already and are going to be opened in the nearest future. And we are looking forward for that.

The other question regarding expanding of SCO membership and dialogue partners. First of all, I would like to remind that we have three official status now in SCO. Member countries, or Member States, observers, and dialogue partners. But as I have said, the modernisation process is going on now, and within the framework of this modernisation work, the Member States are discussing possible optimisation and rationalisation of these three categories. And what will be the final decision, I don't know, and I cannot say now. But in any case, we presume that SCO is an open organisation for everybody. We did not close our doors for new Member States, for new partners, for new observers. That is why, during just last three years, the number of partners, or dialogue partners, has increased. And today we have 14 dialogue partners. And our main task today is to involve our dialogue partners in more active practical cooperation within the SCO framework.

And we don't set the goal to expand as much as possible. It is a natural process which reflects a growing interest to the organisation and growing attractiveness of the organisation. And some of the dialogue partners are already thinking, started to think about upgrading their status to observer or to a full-fledged member. And they are welcome. We are now working on that. And as I have said, the final decision will be made by Member States, by the common rule of consensus.

The third question about the role of SCO and how can SCO facilitate formation of the multipolar world and the place of SCO in the multipolar world. Heads of State of SCO have agreed that there is a global process of reforming of the world order which is taking place today and it takes or touches upon all aspects including political and economic and trade and SCO Member States are also calling the world community for formation of more fair, more democratic, more open world order with the central coordinating role of the United Nations and the world which is the model of the world which Member States are striving for is multipolar world with equality of all states with respect to integrity, territorial integrity, sovereignty where there will be no use of force and all disputes should be resolved by peaceful means, no use and no threat of use of force and SCO as it has been stated in the Astana Declaration that cooperation within SCO may become a basis for formation of a new multipolar, fair and democratic architecture or security system in Eurasia.

Nutan Kapoor Mahawar:  Thank you, Your Excellency. We can take some more questions. Yes, here. The lady here with specs.

Avani Sablok: Thank you, Your Excellency, for the detailed and insightful lecture. I am Avani Sablok, a research scholar working on multilateralism. My question is what direction is the cultural cooperation in the SCO likely to take under your leadership? Thank you.

Nutan Kapoor Mahawar: Thank you, yes.

Unidentified Speaker: Your Excellency, thank you for the insightful lecture on the role of the SCO and the cooperation with India. Sir, my question to you would be as SCO began as a forum to deepen and strengthen military trust and reduce military presence in the borders, so, sir, with the passage of time as there have been several conflicts in and around the region, how SCO has played the role in terms of conflict resolution and cessation of various violence and taking up security issues and how, like defence diplomacy, through the help of Defence Ministers' meetings has evolved the role of SCO as a conflict resolver? Thank you.

Nutan Kapoor Mahawar:  Yes.

Iliana: Good afternoon. My name is Iliana, TASS News Agency. Can you please name those countries which now have the status of dialogue partners in the SCO or observers who would like to become full-fledged members of the SCO? And can it happen during your tenure as the head of SCO till, like, 2027, right? In the upcoming future, is there the possibility that they become full-fledged members? And my second question, if you allow me, please. On what stage now are the discussions of the creation of a unified payment system within the SCO? You mentioned efforts of increasing the share of national currencies within the SCO. So in connection with this issue, can this unified payment system be created in the upcoming future? Thank you.

Nutan Kapoor Mahawar: Thank you. I will give the floor to the Secretary-General.

Nurlan Yermekhbayev: Regarding cooperation in the sphere of cultural and humanitarian exchanges, it is one of very important and very active dynamic sphere of SCO activities. And it is being developed on different directions. And for example, during the previous Indian chairmanship in SCO, there was a number of good processes launched and events held, like conclave of young scientists, forum or tournament of young authors, yoga sessions, and film festivals, movie festivals, music festivals, type of people-to-people diplomacy.

And today, Secretariat is assisting Member States in holding other events like, for example, Kunming Marathon by China, tournament on mini-football by Kyrgyzstan, which is called Silk Way, SCO Games by Russia, and creation of Association of Sports Organisations, also Russian initiative, Forum of Young Talents and Young Leaders by Kazakhstan, and a lot of other events. And today, China, being chair of the Organisation, is also going to hold different, very interesting events like exhibitions of books, of children's paintings, chess tournament, and, well, a number of other events like exhibition of sculptures and a lot of tourist routes--new tourist routes and tourism events. In general terms, the ministers of culture of SCO Member States are meeting every year and they work out special plans. There are special working groups of experts under the ministers' meetings, and all these plans are being implemented.

The other question, maybe you could, as far as I understand, you are asking about the role and efforts by SCO in resolving conflicts.

Nutan Kapoor Mahawar: And also the Defence Ministers' level meetings.

Nurlan Yermekhbayev:  Well, as I said, SCO is not a military organisation. Yes, we have a mechanism of meetings of the Ministers of Defense, meetings of the Secretaries of Security Councils, but meetings of the Ministers of Defense is more like exchange of experience, exchange of information, and even when the so-called military drills or military exercises are held, they are strictly anti-terrorist military drills, anti-terrorist military exercises. They are not aimed against any country. They are just for enhancing peace and countering terrorism in the region. Meetings of the Ministers of Defense contribute to building up trust among Member States. We have special inspection groups, and these meetings are of very peaceful nature. That's why, frankly speaking, Defence Ministers' meetings are not discussing settlement of the conflicts. They are discussing cooperation in favour of peace and stability in the region.

And SCO in general makes contribution into solving some disputes and issues, be it between Member States or be it outside of the SCO space by adopting political declarations, political statements which are calling for peaceful settlement, which are calling for ceasefire if there is an armed conflict anywhere, which are calling for providing humanitarian assistance, avoiding humanitarian catastrophes, crises. And again, the most important task of SCO is to build trust, to build mutual confidence and to achieve some agreements and compromise at the negotiation table, to learn how to discuss and how to talk to each other.

Regarding expansion of our organisation, I mean geographical expansion and increasing of the number of partners and Member States, yes, today we have, as I said, 14 dialogue partners. We have some standing by applications by the dialogue partners who would like to get the status of observers first or status of Member States. And also, we have a number of observers, two observers, we have a number of states which would like to get status of dialogue partners. So we have dialogue partners who would like to become observers and we have non-member countries which would like to become dialogue partners. But I just can say that these countries are located in different regions, from South Asia, Southeast Asia to Middle East. I don't think I should name which of them would like to become Member State because their position, their intention may change any time. But as I said, the organisation is open to every State which shares our principles and our values. And I hope that soon we will be witnessing some news in this field. And today, current chairmanship of the organisation is also studying these applications and questions very deeply. And what will be the decision? I think we will know by the time of the next Heads of State meeting.

Nutan Kapoor Mahawar: Thank you very much. Thank you, Your Excellency, for your detailed and insightful responses to the questions posed by the esteemed members…….

Nurlan Yermekhbayev: Sorry to interrupt you, but there was another question about the common payment system. I'll just shortly say that we are not now planning to establish a common payment system within the SCO, but yes, we are working very actively on increasing the share of national currencies in mutual payment settlements. There is a special roadmap on this issue, and experts of Member States are working on, first of all, on amendments to legislation, of making our legislations suitable for using national currencies, and on building infrastructure of such payments in national currencies between all Member States. And actually, in some countries, SCO member countries are already using national currencies very actively in mutual trade. But experts are working on expanding these opportunities and facilitating these settlements in national currencies.

Nutan Kapoor Mahawar: So thank you, Your Excellency. Sorry about the interruption earlier. We are very grateful to you for your detailed responses, and I'm also grateful to the members of the audience for posing very inquisitive and meaningful questions. And I recognise that many more would have liked the opportunity to engage directly with the Secretary-General. However, we have to be mindful of the time constraints, and we will conclude the session now. We hope that when the Secretary-General visits the Council again, there will be further opportunities for a more in-depth interaction with all of us.

Your Excellency, as you also mentioned in your lecture, ICWA is currently the chair of the SCO  Forum, and we hope to have you here in New Delhi again when we organise the 20th SCO  Forum meeting in a few months' time. With this, I hand over to Dr Athar Zafar, and thank you.

Athar Zafar: Thank you, ma'am. Let me take a moment to acknowledge that today's interaction has been extremely fruitful, thanks to the incisive and thought-provoking supper house lecture delivered by His Excellency Mr Nurlan Yermakbayev, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. On behalf of the Council, I extend our deepest gratitude for your lecture today. The level of interest your remarks generated, sir, was clearly reflected in the insightful questions and comments raised by our informed audience.

We are also grateful to each and every member of the audience, including from the Diplomatic Corps, academia, media, researchers, and students. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all the support staff whose hard work and dedication made today's event a great success. Kindly remain seated until the dignitary has exited the auditorium. You are warmly invited to join us for a high tea, which will be served in the foyer and on the adjacent floor. With that, the program concludes. Thank you.

*****