Nurlan Yermekbayev, the Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday for his first official visit to India. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) welcomed him, noting in a post on X, “Warm welcome to Mr. Nurlan Yermekbayev, Secretary-General of the SCO, on his first official visit to India.”
The MEA emphasized that the visit underscores India’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, security, and economic development.
During his visit, Yermekbayev is scheduled to meet with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at South Block and Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh at Hyderabad House, according to an official statement. Additionally, he will address the Indian Council of World Affairs at Sapru House and pay a visit to Rajghat to lay a wreath.
Earlier, at the 23rd SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad on October 16, 2024, EAM S. Jaishankar signed eight key documents that highlighted India’s contributions to the SCO. In his remarks, Jaishankar emphasized India’s global initiatives and national efforts that align with SCO priorities, including the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Mission LiFE, promoting Yoga, millets, the Global Biofuel Alliance, and the International Big Cat Alliance.
He also stressed the importance of digital public infrastructure and women-led development, while highlighting India’s leadership on initiatives such as the SCO Startup Forum and the SWG on Startups, Innovation, and Traditional Medicine. Jaishankar noted, “The idea of One Earth, One Family, One Future is at the heart of our dialogue, and the outcomes of India’s initiatives have been welcomed by SCO members.”
Furthermore, the EAM called for connectivity projects that are fair, balanced, and aligned with international law and the principles of the UN and SCO Charters.
