India set for new role in SCO, ambassador says

Editor's Note: India became a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization at the Astana Summit last year.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the SCO Qingdao Summit on Saturday and Sunday. China Daily conducted a written interview with Indian Ambassador to China Gautam Bambawale and he discussed India's role in the SCO as well as the bilateral relationship between India and China.

Q1. What kind of role do you expect India will play in the framework of the SCO? What do you expect India will speak for the first time at the Qingdao summit?

A: As you know, India is a new member of the SCO. We are very happy to be a member of the SCO and we are delighted with this development. Since becoming a member, India has participated in almost all the activities and meetings of the SCO. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the SCO Summit at Qingdao. He will also have several bilateral meetings with other leaders of the SCO member countries. India will participate enthusiastically in all SCO meetings.

Q2. Since the SCO accepted India and Pakistan as its new members in June 2017, the organization has represented over 40 per cent of humanity and nearly 20 per cent of the global GDP. What do you think is the focus of the SCO members in cooperation within the organization in the future?
A: The focus of SCO members is in the areas of security cooperation, countering terrorism, economic development as well as cultural exchange. We will continue to expand our cooperation in these areas. India will work with the other member countries in this direction.

Q3. Do you think the SCO faces some opportunities or challenges in the backdrop of the current international situation, particularly considering the rising protectionism?

A: You are correct, the international situation is changing very rapidly. There are almost daily developments around the globe. In such an environment, the SCO has many opportunities to reiterate the values that it stands for, including multi-polarity, the positive effects of globalization, adhering to global rules, working together to uphold existing institutions and contributing positively towards inter-cultural harmony. India believes that the SCO can work towards these goals.