Key Takeaways From the Islamabad SCO Summit
The heads of government meeting highlighted the organization’s evolving dynamics, with China’s growing influence to India’s ambivalence.
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Regional Cooperation and Infrastructure Development
At the 2024 SCO summit in Islamabad, China emphasized deepening regional cooperation, especially through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Pakistan strongly backed these initiatives, urging member states to focus on connectivity projects that expand infrastructure across road, rail, and digital platforms. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the second phase of CPEC as a key pillar for regional integration.
India’s Concerns and Sovereignty Issues
India, represented by its External Affairs Minister, raised concerns over terrorism, sovereignty, and trade. It opposed China’s BRI due to its passage through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, a region India claims as its own. India’s reservations on the BRI were a notable point of divergence at the summit, as India warned against the risk of debt traps for countries involved in the initiative.
Global Economic Concerns and Reforms
Another key theme was the call for economic reforms to counter global financial disruptions. The SCO leaders criticized Western sanctions on Russia and Iran, stressing their harmful impact on international trade and the global economy. To safeguard smaller economies, the summit encouraged trade using local currencies to reduce dependency on global financial systems dominated by the West.
Climate Change and Poverty Alleviation
The summit also focused on climate change and poverty. Pakistan, having experienced devastating floods, called for enhanced disaster preparedness through regional cooperation. Additionally, member states discussed poverty alleviation strategies, with Pakistan championing the need for joint efforts to address socio-economic disparities across the SCO region.
Trade and Regional Integration
The SCO summit placed a strong emphasis on boosting trade and regional integration. China, Pakistan, and other members highlighted the need for practical cooperation to address developmental challenges. Initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and International North-South Transport Corridor were key discussions. Chinese Premier Li Qiang proposed expanding trade, investment, and connectivity projects across member nations.
Security and Counter-Terrorism
Security concerns were also a major focus, particularly related to counter-terrorism and regional stability. India’s delegation emphasized the need for cooperation on countering terrorism, extremism, and separatism. Meanwhile, the SCO reaffirmed its commitment to counter-terrorism efforts, calling for enhanced coordination among member states to address these threats.
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