PM Modi meets leaders of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Belarus on SCO Summit sidelines

Tianjin- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a series of bilateral meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China.

During his meeting with Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, PM Modi highlighted the growing cooperation between the two countries. “Productive exchange of views with President Tokayev of Kazakhstan. Our nations are working closely in many key sectors, including energy, security, healthcare, and pharma,” he said in a post on X.

The Prime Minister also met Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon and underscored India’s growing trade and cultural linkages with Tajikistan. “Always a pleasure to interact with Mr. Emomali Rahmon. India’s trade and cultural linkages are increasing, and this is a wonderful sign,” he wrote.

In his interaction with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, Modi expressed optimism about future opportunities between the two nations. “Glad to have met President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus. We both are very optimistic about the beneficial opportunities ahead for our nations,” he said.

Earlier, PM Modi also held discussions with Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, emphasizing that India’s developmental cooperation with the island nation is mutually beneficial. He also met Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, calling India-Nepal ties “deep-rooted and very special.”

Chinese President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan formally welcomed PM Modi as he arrived to attend the SCO Summit’s official reception for Heads of State and Government.

The SCO, founded in 2001 in Shanghai, is a permanent intergovernmental organisation. Its members include China, Russia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus. Afghanistan and Mongolia are observer states, while 14 countries — including Turkey, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE — are dialogue partners.

With inputs from IANS