India and China hold first SCO bilateral talks after Ladakh thaw, discuss implementing SCO decisions, boosting security, trade and connectivity, agree to continue consultations
Following a recent thaw in relations, India and China conducted their first bilateral consultations under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on Thursday and Friday, aiming to deepen cooperation.
As per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), discussions focused on how to implement decisions taken by SCO leaders and the organisation’s future direction. Both sides expressed their commitment to sustaining and strengthening collaboration and consultations within the SCO framework.
Engagement between the two countries in multilateral platforms such as BRICS and the SCO has picked up pace after the 2024 resolution of the eastern Ladakh military standoff. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China last year for the SCO summit, while Beijing has extended its backing for India’s current BRICS presidency.
Focus On Security, Trade And Connectivity
Further, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is expected to visit India for the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting scheduled for May 14-15. Additionally, President Xi Jinping is anticipated to travel to India in September for the summit.
“Both delegations jointly called on secretary (west) Sibi George to review cooperation within the SCO framework, including in the areas of security, trade, connectivity and people-to-people ties,” the MEA said in its statement, adding that India and China agreed to continue bilateral consultations in the future.
India has consistently underscored the importance it places on SCO membership, noting that the organisation was created to tackle terrorism, radicalisation, and extremism. It also views the grouping as a key platform for enhancing regional connectivity, provided such initiatives respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, in line with the SCO charter. Connectivity that bypasses sovereignty ultimately loses both trust and meaning, PM Modi had said last year while addressing the summit in Tianjin.
