Connectivity projects should, however, respect sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states, he pointed out

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has highlighted the need for better connectivity between Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states to unlock the region's economic potential.

Participating virtually in the 21st Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG) held on Tuesday, he also emphasized that connectivity projects should "respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states" and that these should be based on the "centrality of interests of Central Asian states".

While he did not name China, EAM Jaishankar's statement appears to be a clear reference to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

EAM Jaishankar shared the highlights of his address in a series of tweets.

"Underlined that we need better connectivity in the SCO region built on centrality of interests of Central Asian states," he wrote.

He also talked about making the region's economic potential more accessible with the help of various connectivity projects, including the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Chabahar Port.

"Will unlock the economic potential of this region in which Chabahar port and the International North South Transport Corridor could become enablers. Connectivity projects should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States and respect international law," he added.

He noted that India's commerce with SCO members, which is now barely $141 billion, has enormous growth potential. He continued by saying that fair market access is both necessary for progress and beneficial to everyone.

"Our total trade with SCO Members is only $141 billion, which has potential to increase manifold. Fair market access is to our mutual benefit & only way to move forward," he said on Twitter.

He emphasized that India plans to promote increased collaboration with the SCO Member States on addressing the food problem in 2023, which is the UN International Year of Millets.

EAM Jaishankar also spoke on Mission LiFE launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month.

"Spoke of Mission LiFE launched by PM @narendramodi which envisions replacing the prevelant ‘use and dispose’ economy by a circular economy," he tweeted.

He appreciated the condolences sent by SCO members following the deaths in the Morbi tragedy in Gujarat. "Appreciate condolences expressed at the loss of lives in the Morbi tragedy. Look forward to India’s ongoing chairship of the SCO," he said, concluding the Twitter thread.

According to the MEA, the External Affairs Minister drew attention to India’s commitment in fighting the challenge of climate change and also the achievements made in this direction. He also emphasized India’s strong recovery on the economic front after the pandemic.

Apart from India, the meeting was attended by other SCO Member States, Observer States, the SCO Secretary General, the Executive Director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), Turkmenistan, and other invited guests.

The organization's trade and economic agenda, as well as the approval of its annual budget, were the main topics of discussion during the annual meeting.

The SCO was established at a conference in Shanghai in 2001 leaders of Russia, China, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. India became a permanent member in 2017. Pakistan is the eighth member of the regional grouping.