India advocates for supply chain resilience at SCO trade meeting

At the 25th Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Ministers Responsible for Foreign Economic and Trade Activities in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, India advocated for enhanced regional economic cooperation. Representing India, Yashvir Singh emphasized the need for increased intra-SCO trade, lower trade costs, and more resilient supply chains.

India’s proposals focused on three pillars: security, connectivity, and opportunity. Key recommendations included simplifying customs procedures, implementing paperless trade, and utilizing electronic document exchanges to reduce transit times and costs. India also called for greater cooperation in strategic sectors such as agriculture, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and electronics.

Furthermore, the discussions highlighted the importance of energy security, renewable energy, and green hydrogen. India underscored the necessity of digital and cross-border payment systems to support MSMEs and startups, while reiterating its commitment to an open, rules-based multilateral trading system centered on the WTO. The ministers concluded by adopting a statement and an Action Plan for 2026 to 2030 to implement the SCO’s Programme of Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation.