India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will head the country’s delegation at the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Friday. The summit is scheduled for July 3-4 in Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital city.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed during a weekly briefing, “The External Affairs Minister will be leading our delegation there.”

Kazakhstan has assumed the SCO presidency from India, which held the position last year and hosted a virtual summit in July 2023. Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, this year’s host, has proposed several initiatives, including the establishment of a joint investment fund.

In a recent phone conversation on June 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured President Tokayev of India’s full support for the summit’s success. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing bilateral strategic partnerships and regional cooperation.

“Had a good conversation with President of Kazakhstan H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Thanked him for warm wishes on the success in the elections,” PM Modi posted on X. “Reiterated the commitment to advance our Strategic Partnership with Kazakhstan. Conveyed India’s full support for the success of the upcoming SCO Summit.”

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, established in 2001, is a political, economic, and security alliance. Current members include China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Iran became a full member in 2023 under India’s presidency, while Belarus holds observer status and is next in line for full membership.

The SCO focuses on regional security, counter-terrorism, and economic cooperation among its member states. It encompasses over 60% of the Eurasian landmass, 40% of the world’s population, and 30% of global GDP.

(Inputs from ANI)