9 Key Points About the SCO Summit in Pakistan

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1. Who is leading the Indian delegation to the SCO Summit?

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will lead the Indian delegation to the SCO Summit in Pakistan.

2. When is the SCO Summit taking place?

The SCO Summit will be held on October 15 and 16 in Islamabad, Pakistan.

3. Why is Pakistan hosting the SCO Summit?

Pakistan is hosting the SCO Summit as it holds the rotating chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of Government.

4. What is the SCO?

The SCO is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It has since expanded to include India and Pakistan as full members.

5. What is the significance of the SCO?

The SCO represents around 42% of the world's population and 20% of the global GDP, making it one of the largest regional organizations in terms of geographical coverage and population.

6. How has India's relationship with the SCO evolved?

India was an observer state at the SCO since 2005 and was admitted as a full member in 2017. This move was largely driven by Russia's aim to counter China's growing influence in the region.

7. What are the key topics discussed at the SCO Summit?

The SCO Summit focuses on financial, economic, socio-cultural, and humanitarian cooperation among its member states. It also addresses security concerns and regional stability.

8. How has Pakistan's invitation to India impacted the SCO Summit?

Pakistan extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting, marking the first time in eight years that India has been invited to participate in a major regional event hosted by Pakistan.

9. What is the historical context of India-Pakistan relations within the SCO?

Despite strained bilateral relations between India and Pakistan, both countries have managed to cooperate within the SCO framework. This cooperation has been facilitated by the SCO Charter, which does not allow member states to raise bilateral issues during meetings.