The 18th SCO Qingdao Summit will be harnessed to anchor and explore the future of RATS; highlight regional consensus on sanctions on Iran, and demonstrate and encourage consensus in favour of a multilateral world order The 18th Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will take place from 9-10 June 2018 in Qingdao, China. Developments in global affairs that have preceded the summit, and the summit's agenda suggest that at least three things will be highlighted during the proceedings: - The SCO, via its Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), will make a pitch for an alternative framework for regional stability that is broader, more inclusive, and that appears to sought by regional countries. - The consensus that Russia, China, and India (who comprise three of the five BRICS countries) are not in favour of sanctions against Iran. - Notwithstanding the state of their individual bilateral relations with Washington (and even with each other), regional countries — especially India, Russia, and China – prefer an inclusive and multipolar global order. RATS and regional security Given the geopolitical and geo-economic atmosphere in which this summit will take place — particularly in light of the developments pertaining to Syria, North Korea, Iran, and Afghanistan —Moscow and Beijing are likely to reinforce their strategic linkages and set the tone for further expansion of linkages with regional countries. The SCO's RATS, based in Tashkent is a regional mechanism envisaged to facilitate cooperation among the members to exchange information and counter-terrorism and related security challenges. RATS' initiatives have expanded in the recent years, and it has gradually begun engaging relevant regional organisations and groupings, to make its work more, broad-based and efficient. One of the recent instances was on 28 May 2018, when news reports emerged in Kazakhstan that the Secretariat of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the executive committee of the RATS, and the Commonwealth of Independent States Anti-Terrorism Center (CIS ATC) had signed a trilateral memorandum on the joint counteraction of terrorism. Coming mere days ahead of the 18th SCO Summit, this trilateral memorandum could be indicative of the trajectory that regional relations and developments in South and Central Asia and the neighbourhood might take. The 2018 SCO Summit is also the first one since both India and Pakistan joined the SCO as full members. According to Chinese news reports, the 18th summit is expected to "ratify a five-year outline for the implementation of the Treaty on Long-term Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation" as well as "approve more than 10 cooperation deals covering areas including security, economy, and people-to-people exchanges". Not long ago, in April 2018, it was reported that India and Pakistan will participate in 'Peace Mission 2018' military exercises that will be held in Russia's Ural mountain region, tentatively on the cusp of August-September 2018. Regardless of the ratio between rhetoric and reality, full membership in the SCO provides an alternative platform for India and Pakistan to engage on bilateral matters. This could be particularly useful given the complex multi-way equation Russia, China, India, and Pakistan currently share with each other. In December 2017, India and Pakistan — whose bilateral relations had been souring due to a spike in ceasefire violations (147 instances in December 2017 alone) — partook in an anti-cyber-terrorism drill in Xiamen, China, under the aegis of RATS. However, although exchanging information on terrorist groups and individuals is one of the areas of cooperation RATS facilitates, it is unclear yet as to how India and Pakistan — would implement this with each other effectively. Iran's president Hassan Rouhani and Afghanistan's president Ashraf Ghani too will attend the summit. Both Iran and Afghanistan are currently Observer Members in the SCO and are expected to be inducted as full members in the near future. Meanwhile, there is also an emerging view that both countries would prefer an SCO-led solution to the Afghan situation. Although this view is yet to be categorically stated, just days before the 2018 SCO Summit, Ghani, referring to the SCO, called for more cooperation from members of SCO countries on the Afghan issue, and linked it to the future of "Asian integration," which is directly linked to all major bilateral and multilateral projects and initiatives currently underway in the region, particularly those involving South Asia, Central Asia and West Asia (and broadly, Eurasia). Since 2005, there already exists an SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group that serves as a mechanism for consultations between SCO and Afghanistan and the most recent meeting was held on 28 May 2018, in Beijing, in which deputy foreign ministers met. On 6 June 2018, China's state-owned Xinhua News Agency reported that "the Qingdao summit is expected to ratify a five-year outline for the implementation of the 'Treaty on Long-term Good Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation', and a three-year outline for cooperation on combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism." Evidently, security, especially countering terrorism, is a significant issue, and in that regard, discussions regarding future cooperation under the RATS framework will figure prominently on the Summit agenda. Iran and the emerging regional equation Neither Russia, nor China nor India (two of whom are permanent members of the UN Security Council, and all three are members of the BRICS grouping), are in favour of the US' unilateral sanctions against Iran. In fact, all three have actively rejected the US' sanctions against Iran. The consensus regarding sanctions on Iran and a rejection of a US-led unipolarity in global affairs will be reinforced at the SCO Summit. Even as US President Donald Trump announced Washington's unilateral withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) or the Iran Nuclear Deal, the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) — comprising Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia as members — signed a provisional three-year deal allowing Iran’s entry into the EEU’s Free Trade Zone, by the end of which the parties are expected to subsequently lead to a full-fledged agreement on the Free Trade Zone. Iran is expected to join the EEU as a member later this year.<doc-sep>SCO Summit: PM Modi addressed the plenary session in Qingdao, China. Here are the live updates of the 18th SCO summit: Jun 10, 2018 14:38 (IST) PM Modi Holds Bilateral Talks With President Of Kyrgyzstan, Sooronbay Jeenbekov Jun 10, 2018 14:31 (IST) India Welcomes Any Project That Respects Sovereignty, Territorial Integrity: PM Modi Stressing on the importance of connectivity, PM Modi said, "India welcomes any such project which is inclusive, sustainable and transparent. And which respects member states' sovereignty and territorial integrity." Jun 10, 2018 13:59 (IST) PM Modi Invites Kazakhstan To Join International Solar Alliance "PM Narendra Modi invited Kazakhstan to join the International Solar Alliance and the President of Kazakhstan responded positively," Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs said during a press conference Jun 10, 2018 13:52 (IST) SCO Leaders Sign Qingdao Declaration, Agreements On Cooperation SCO leaders sign the Qingdao Declaration and agreements on security, economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges during the signing ceremony, which was held at Qingdao International Convention Center on the final day of the 18th SCO summit Jun 10, 2018 13:17 (IST) PM Modi, Pak President Shake Hands At SCO Summit PM Modi was seen shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain at the end of the media briefing addressed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Jun 10, 2018 13:13 (IST) Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev on the sidelines of the SCO summit. Jun 10, 2018 13:11 (IST) "We have had an in-depth exchange of views on major international and regional issues. We have ratified an action plan for implementing the treaty on long-term good neighbourliness, friendship and cooperation of the SCO member-states," Xi Jinping says at the SCO summit Jun 10, 2018 12:13 (IST) Security Is The Foundation Of Sustainable Development: Xi Jinping "We hold that security is the foundation of sustainable development at SCO. All parties will continue to work in line with mutual benefit," he said. Jun 10, 2018 12:12 (IST) Countries Face Common Challenge That No One Face Alone, Says Xi Jinping During a press briefing, Chinese President Xi Jinping said, "we have agreed to agree to abide by the SCO charter and carry forward the Shanghai spirit of regional peace, development, friendship. We share the view that world is undergoing major development and adjustment. Countries are confronted with common threats and challenges that no one can tackle alone" Jun 10, 2018 10:35 (IST) PM Modi In Qingdao Says Connectivity With Neighbours A Priority "We have again reached a stage where physical and digital connectivity is changing the definition of geography. Therefore, connectivity with our neighbourhood and in the SCO region is our priority," PM Modi says at the SCO Summit Jun 10, 2018 10:24 (IST) China Will Offer $4.7 Billion In Loans Under SCO Framework, Says Xi Jinping Speaking at the plenary of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping announces that China will offer the equivalent of 30 billion yuan ($4.7 billion) in loans under a framework formed by SCO countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Qingdao, China, leading the Indian-delegation for the first time since India was admitted as as the newest member of the Eurasian security grouping. PM Modi arrived in Qingdao on Saturday for the two-day summit and held talks with the Secretary General of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation , Rashid Alimov. PM Modi also met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the Chinese port city of Qingdao. The two leaders signed agreements on sharing hydrological data on the Brahmaputra River and export of non-Basmati varieties of rice from India.Today, Prime Minister Modi addressed the plenary session of the SCO summit and also held bilateral meetings with President of Tajikistan and President of Uzbekistan on the sidelines of the summit . Leaders of the eight member states attended the summit to explore ways to increase cooperation in combating terrorism, extremism and radicalisation. ,The SCO is an eight-member state bloc, with India and Pakistan being the newest members admitted in 2017. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation represents approximately 42 of the world's population, 22 per cent of the land, and 20 per cent of the world's economy. Apart from the member nations, Iran, Afghanistan, Belarus and Mongolia are observer states.<doc-sep>Qingdao (China): Attending India’s first summit as a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said connectivity with the neighbourhood is India's priority. Speaking at the restricted session of the SCO Summit, Prime Minister Modi also spoke about the concept of SECURE: 'S' for security for citizens, 'E' for economic development, 'C' for connectivity in the region, 'U' for unity, 'R' for respect of sovereignty and integrity, and 'E for environment protection. "We have again reached a stage where physical and digital connectivity is changing the definition of geography. Therefore, connectivity with our neighbourhood and in the SCO region is our priority," Modi said. Modi also shook hands with Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain and had a brief chat with him. The two leaders met briefly after signing of agreements between the members states of the eight-nation bloc. It is for the first time the Indian prime minister is attending the SCO summit after India along with Pakistan became full-fledged members of the grouping, jointly dominated by China and Russia, which has been increasingly seen as a counter to NATO. Modi said India is committed to extend full cooperation to a successful outcome of the Summit. Noting that only 6 per cent of foreign tourists in India are from SCO countries, the prime minister said this can easily be doubled. "Increasing awareness of our shared cultures can help boost this number. We will organise a SCO food festival and a Buddhist festival in India," he said. Citing Afghanistan as an "unfortunate example" of effect of terrorism, Modi said he hoped the brave steps towards peace taken by President Ashraf Ghani will be respected by all in the region, apparently referring to a ceasefire announced by the Afghan leader for the Eid festival. The SCO currently has eight member countries which represents around 42 per cent of the world's population and 20 per cent of the global GDP. Besides Modi, other leaders attending the summit include Chinese President Xi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became its members last year. (With PTI inputs)<doc-sep>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived in Qingdao, China, to attend the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. The issues of discussion at the summit will range from pressing global issues, including future of Iran nuclear deal, impact of US sanctions on Russia and the situation in the Indo-Pacific region. Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday soon after his arrival in Qingdao. It is Modi’s second visit to China in little over five weeks. He was in the Chinese city of Wuhan on April 27 and 28 to attend an informal summit with Jinping. Here are the highlights: 9.00pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with the leaders of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member states, witnessed a special event by Chinese artists at the International Conference Centre in Qingdao on the sidelines of the annual two-day SCO summit. 8.25pm: New people-to-people mechanism will be set up. On Indian side, it will be headed by the external affairs minister and on the Chinese side, it will be headed by the state council and foreign minister Wang Yi. The first meeting of this mechanism will be held this year: Vijay Gokhale, foreign secretary, in Qingdao. 8.20pm: It was a substantive meeting, President Xi Jinping began by making positive assessment of Wuhan summit.He described it as ‘a new starting point’ in our bilateral relations. PM described it as ‘milestone in our relations’: Vijay Gokhale, foreign secretary on bilateral meeting between Modi and Jinping. 7.50pm: One of the important outcomes of today’s meeting was the Chinese side conveyed that they accepted PM’s invitation to President Xi Jinping to have a similar informal summit in India in 2019: Vijay Gokhale, foreign secretary. 7.40pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon in Qingdao, China. 7.30pm: Met this year’s SCO host, President Xi Jinping this evening. We had detailed discussions on bilateral and global issues. Our talks will add further vigour to the India-China friendship, tweeted PM Modi. 5.35pm: Following PM @narendramodi meeting with Chinese President Xi, two MoUs were signed - Sharing hydrological information of Brahmaputra river by China to India& amendment of Protocol on phytosanitary requirements for exporting rice from India to China to include non-Basmati rice pic.twitter.com/a9dg0Lu4pJ — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 9, 2018 4.50pm: PM Narendra Modi met President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and held a bilateral meeting with him on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China’s Qingdao. 4.45pm: India and China signed agreements in the presence of PM Narendra Modi and President of China Xi Jinping in Qingdao. 4.25pm: Modi participated in delegation-level talks with other members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, reports ANI News agency. 3.55pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Qingdao on the sidelines of SCO Summit. Modi said that strong and stable relations between India and China can inspire a stable and peaceful world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Qingdao. 3.30pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met SCO general secretary Rashid Alimov. Alimov told Modi that India is contributing greatly to the organisation since it became a full member of SCO in 2017.<doc-sep>
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the welcome ceremony of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China’s Qingdao. Modi arrived in Qingdao on Saturday to attend the two-day SCO summit. The Prime Minister and Jinping on Saturday held “very substantive” talks during which they agreed to hold the next informal summit in India next year besides resolving to continue efforts to ensure peace and tranquillity along the border. It is Modi’s second visit to China in little over five weeks. He was in the Chinese city of Wuhan on April 27 and 28 to attend an informal summit with Jinping. Here are the LIVE updates: 5pm: Modi met Nazarbayev and invited his country to join the International Solar Alliance, an initiative announced in 2015 whose primary objective is to work for efficient exploitation of solar energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. “PM Narendra Modi invited Kazakhstan to join the International Solar Alliance and the President of Kazakhstan responded positively,” said Ruchi Ghanashyam, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). 3:12pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi departs for India from Qingdao, China: ANI. 2:11pm: Narendra Modi holds a meeting with President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbai Jeenbekov. He also met President of Mongolia Khaltmaagiin Battulga. Strategic partnership based on deep civilizational, historical and cultural linkages! PM @narendramodi met the President of #Mongolia Khaltmaagiin Battulga on the sidelines of #SCOSummit in #Qingdao. pic.twitter.com/GXlmykyJCn — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 10, 2018 2:00pm: Xi Jinping suggests to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that China and India should set up a new bilateral trade target of $100 billion by 2020, as Beijing is looking at importing non-Basmati rice as well as sugar to address the huge trade deficit. 1:15pm: Several outcome documents (agreements) were adopted by the council of head of governments of SCO during the summit, says MEA. “Besides a joint communique, 12 others documents were signed between the member countries. Four other documents were signed between ministries of member countries including one on MSMEs and another on tourism. In total, 22 documents were signed, among them an important one was an appeal to youth against radicalization,” says Madhumita Hazarika Bhagat, joint secretary in MEA. 1:10pm: “PM Narendra Modi invited Kazakhstan to join the International Solar Alliance and the President of Kazakhstan responded positively,” says Ruchi Ghanashyam, secretary (West) in ministry of external affairs. 1:00pm: Ministry of external affairs starts a briefing at SCO Summit. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the heads of state council meeting. He also held bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit,” says Ruchi Ghanashyam, secretary (West), in MEA. “The SCO leaders signed the Qingdao Declaration and agreements on security and economic cooperation during the signing-in ceremony. PM Modi’s priority is terror and connectivity” 12:16pm: Russia President Vladimir Putin says combined purchasing power of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation greater than G7. 12:10pm: Modi holds a meeting with President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev on the sidelines. PM Narendra Modi held a meeting with President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev on the sidelines of #SCOSummit in China's #Qingdao pic.twitter.com/xYtFFvewEN — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2018 11:51am: “We should reject self-centered, short-sighted and closed-door policies. We should uphold WTO rules and support the multilateral trading system so as to build an open world economy,” Chinese President Xi Jinping says. He says in the next three years, China will provide 3,000 training opportunities of human resources development for SCO member states to enhance public understanding of and support for the SCO family: PTI. 11:49am: “Presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain is of great historic significance,” says Jinping. “The entry of India and Pakistan into the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation would bolster its strength.” Chinese President calls for the pursuit of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. “We should reject the Cold War mentality and confrontation between blocs and oppose the practices of seeking absolute security of oneself at the expense of the security of other countries, so as to achieve security of all.” 11:45am: Kyrgyzstan will take over rotating presidency of SCO after 2018 summit ends, says Chinese President Xi Jinping. 11:43am: Xi Jinping says: We have had an in-depth exchange of views on major international and regional issues. We have ratified an action plan for implementing the treaty on long term good neighborliness, friendship and cooperation of the SCO member states. “The members will work together to fight terrorism, extremism, and drug trade,” he adds.