October 12, 2018
Excellency Mr. Qohir Rasulzoda,
Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan
Excellencies,
Heads of Government of the SCO Member States
Heads of Delegations of Observer States
Secretary General of SCO and
Executive Director of RATS…..
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen !
I extend my warm greetings to the Government of Tajikistan for hosting the 17th meeting of the Council of Heads of Government in this charming city of Dushanbe.
It is my privilege and pleasure to join you again in this Meeting, as the Envoy of the Prime Minister of India. I would like to thank the Government of Tajikistan for the warm hospitality extended to me and my delegation.
Excellencies,
We have all benefited from globalization. We must further develop our trade and investment cooperation. We support an open, stable international trade regime based on centrality of the World Trade Organization.
Excellencies,
Terrorism remains the most overwhelming threat to our common goals of development and prosperity. As the footprint of terrorism expands, governments must assume their national responsibility and cooperate with each other. India has actively supported the SCO Qingdao Summit Leaders’ "Appeal to Youth” against radicalization of youth.
Excellencies,
I wish to congratulate all my colleagues on the successful completion of ‘SCO Peace Mission 2018’. This was the first time that India participated in these counter-terrorism exercises.
Excellencies,
India stands committed to a peace process which is Afghan led, Afghan owned and Afghan controlled, that can help Afghanistan emerge as peaceful, secure, stable, inclusive and economically vibrant nation. In this context, we welcome the signing of the Protocol of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group on the sidelines of the Qingdao Summit. We would be happy to co-host with Afghanistan, the next meeting of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group, in India.
Excellencies,
We are determined to work together in SCO on environmentally friendly energy alternatives to ensure sustainable development.
I am happy to inform that United Nations has awarded its highest environmental honour – ‘Champions of the Earth’ award recently to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of France for the initiative of International Solar Alliance. India has also pledged to eliminate single-use plastics by 2022.
Excellencies,
India shares the desire of the SCO members for enhanced connectivity. All connectivity initiatives must be based on the principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, consultations, good governance, transparency, viability and sustainability.
Excellencies,
I am happy to note that SCO has taken a positive step in this direction by organizing the first meeting of the Heads of Railways of the SCO Member States last month.
Excellencies,
To honour and deepen our cultural connect, the Indian Prime Minister had announced at the SCO Summit this year, that India would host the SCO exhibition on ‘Shared Buddhist Heritage’. We would be doing so next year.
Excellencies,
This meeting has provided us the opportunity to take concrete steps towards implementation of our combined objectives.
Excellencies,
I once again extend our best wishes for the progress and prosperity of the people of Tajikistan.
Thank you.
