India has called for greater supply chain diversification, trade facilitation and digital payments at the 25th Meeting of SCO Ministers Responsible for Foreign Economic and Trade Activities in Dushanbe.
The 25th Meeting of Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Member States Responsible for Foreign Economic and Trade Activities was held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on September 17, 2026. In his intervention on behalf of India, Yashvir Singh highlighted the significant economic potential of the SCO and called for increased intra-SCO trade, lower trade costs, resilient supply chains and enhanced connectivity. India underscored the three pillars of security, connectivity and opportunity as articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the SCO Summit in Bishkek, emphasising their economic significance in strengthening supply-chain resilience, developing efficient and trusted connectivity and expanding market access for businesses.
India called for simplified customs procedures, paperless trade and electronic exchange of documents, alongside stronger multimodal connectivity and reduced transit times, to reduce the cost and time associated with trade. It also called for greater cooperation among SCO member states to diversify and strengthen supply chains in strategic sectors including agriculture, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and electronics, and highlighted the potential for enhanced cooperation in energy security, renewable energy and green hydrogen. India further underscored the role of digital payments, cross-border payments and accessible trade finance, particularly for MSMEs and startups, and reiterated its commitment to an open, inclusive and rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core. The ministers adopted a statement on foreign economic and trade activity and agreed on an Action Plan for 2026 to 2030 for the implementation of the SCO’s Programme of Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation, subject to approval by the Council of Heads of Government. The next ministerial meeting will be held in Uzbekistan in 2027.
Source: Press Information Bureau
