New Delhi: Highlighting the growing
importance of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in
boosting the security in Asia, India has re-affirmed its
commitment with the regional grouping of which it aspires to
be a member.
Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, who was representing
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at SCO meet in Dushanbe in
Tajikistan on November 25, underscored the importance India
attached to its association with the organisation, which over
the last decade has emerged as a major player in the area.
"The minister participated both in the closed door
meeting of the SCO prime ministers and the expanded session.
He reiterated India`s continuing commitment to the SCO and its
different bodies," said a statement from the Ministry of
External Affairs.
Shinde also held separate conversations with a number of
leaders, including the prime ministers of Russia, China,
Kazakhstan and Pakistan, besides leaders of delegations from
Afghanistan and Mongolia.
The SCO was formed in 2001 and has six member states --
China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and
Uzbekistan.
India along with Iran, Pakistan and Mongolia, has the
status of an observer state.
PTI
