China's Xi & Putin congratulate India on becoming SCO chair next year; extend full support

Chinese President Xi Jinping has congratulated India on assuming presidency of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) for 2023. "We will support India for its presidency next year," Jinping stated on Friday at SCO Summit in Uzbekistan. tably, India will take over rotating annual chairmanship of SCO, which is w held by Uzbekistan. Apart from China, Russian President Vlimir Putin also extended his good wishes to India for hosting 23rd edition of summit next year. 

Earlier on Friday, participating leers including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vlimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, & or leers posed for a group photograph at summit. In photo, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President were seen standing beside each or. This comes as relations between two countries have deteriorated since border skirmish that took place last year in Eastern Lakh. 

tably, this is Jinping's foreign visit since coronavirus pandemic hit world two years ago. Chinese President's last foreign visit was to Myanmar in January 2020, at start of pandemic before nations closed ir borders and implemented lockdowns. Earlier on Thursday, September 15, Jinping met Russian President Vlimir Putin on sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and expressed "concerns" about Moscow's "special military operation" in Ukraine. According to reports, China has consistently provided ecomic and tre support to Russia, while also bolstering bilateral ties in face of Western sanctions. 

PM Modi stresses on constructive role SCO can play in post-COVID era

Meanwhile, speaking at summit on Friday, PM Modi stressed on constructive role SCO can play in post-COVID era. He also called on SCO members to make an effort to develop trustworthy, resilient and diversified supply chains. "At SCO Summit in Samarkand, emphasised on constructive role SCO can play in post-COVID era, particularly in furring ecomic recovery and strengning supply chains. Highlighted India’s emphasis on people-centric growth which also gives importance to techlogy," PM Modi stated. 

It should be mentioned here that SCO currently comprises eight Member states including Uzbekistan, India, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, and Tajikistan. ongoing summit, 22nd edition,  is first in-person SCO Summit since coronavirus pandemic hit world. 

(With inputs from ANI)

Im: AP