India once again refused to extend its support to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), making it the only country in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to reject the project. The decision was highlighted in the New Delhi Declaration after the conclusion of the SCO summit, where India’s chairmanship was held. While Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan reaffirmed their support for the BRI, India remained firm in its opposition.
The declaration stated that the aforementioned countries continue to endorse and actively implement the BRI, including efforts to link the construction of the Eurasian Economic Union with the initiative. They also expressed support for increasing the share of national currencies in mutual settlements among member states. India, however, did not align itself with these statements.
This is not the first time India has chosen not to support China’s flagship program. In previous SCO meetings, India consistently maintained its position against the BRI, setting itself apart as the only country in the organization to do so.
The New Delhi Declaration also emphasized the importance of broadening and deepening cooperation among member states for sustainable socio-economic development. It highlighted the need to implement the SCO Economic Development Strategy 2030 and other joint programs and projects aimed at promoting cooperation in priority areas.
During the SCO meeting, Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated Beijing’s commitment to enhancing the BRI and called for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with various countries’ development strategies and regional cooperation initiatives. Xi emphasized the promotion of trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, the development of port infrastructure and logistic corridors, and the stable functioning of regional industrial and supply chains.
In response, India stressed the importance of connectivity while respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India’s position on the BRI has always been clear, highlighting the need for connectivity to be respectful of these principles.
The SCO summit, chaired by Prime Minister Modi, featured the participation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and other leaders from member states. India’s chairmanship of the SCO has witnessed extensive activity and beneficial cooperation among member states. Over 130 meetings and events have been hosted by India during its term, including 14 Ministerial-level meetings. The country remains committed to playing a positive and constructive role in the organization and looks forward to a successful SCO Summit as the culmination of its chairmanship.
India will continue to hold the SCO presidency until September 2023.
