Ministry Of External Affairs Considers Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Important Regional Organisation

Reports have been coming in from Ministry of External Affairs which has in a media press conference has stated that India considers SCO as an important regional organisation to promote cooperation in the areas of peace, security, trade, economy and culture. 

As per Vikas Swarup, Secretary (West), MEA the Ministry is committed to deepening our cooperation with Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) by playing proactive, positive & constructive role.

According to Vikas Swarup as far as whether Pakistan is going to join (our) initiatives, it's up to them. SCO charter has provision that one country cannot hold up cooperation in areas and allows member countries which are interested to take it forward with the exclusion of one country that is opposing.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation charter specifically prohibits bilateral issues from being raised in SCO forums.

Vikas Swarup, Secy (West), MEA have said that we've scrupulously adhered to this provision, we don't raise bilateral issues in SCO forums and expect other countries to do the same.