SCO Summit 2024: Check key attendees, dates and agenda; Jaishankar representing India

SCO Summit 2024: Pakistan is preparing to host the 23rd edition of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on October 15-16, a significant event that will bring together leaders from across the region to discuss important issues.

Jaishankar to attend key diplomatic talks in Islamabad

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to arrive in Islamabad to head the Indian delegation at the prestigious SCO Summit, where he is expected to address India's concerns regarding cross-border terrorism. Jaishankar's visit is important because it comes after a long period of tension between India and Pakistan since the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. The situation worsened with India's retaliatory airstrike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed camp in Balakot and the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

Also read |  North Korea blows up inter-Korean roads and rail lines, escalating tensions with South Korea

What is the SCO?

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was established on June 15, 2001, in Shanghai, China. It aims to promote cooperation and stability among its member countries. Since 2017, the organisation has expanded to include nine member states, notably including India and Pakistan.

Key attendees

A range of important leaders will be present at the summit including:

External Affairs Minister of India: S. Jaishankar
Prime Minister of China: Li Qiang
Prime Minister of Russia: Mikhail Mishustin
Prime Minister of Belarus: Roman Golovchenko
Prime Minister of Kazakhstan: Olzhas Bektenov
Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan: Akylbek Zhaparov
Prime Minister of Uzbekistan: Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov
First Vice President of Iran: Mohammad Mokhber
Additionally, foreign ministers and high-ranking officials from Turkmenistan will attend, along with Prime Minister of Mongolia: Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai

Also read | Attack on Israeli army base: Hezbollah drones entered Israeli airspace from sea, says report

Key discussion points or agenda

At the 23rd CHG meeting, participants will focus on reviewing the organisation's performance and evaluating ongoing collaborations in trade, economic development, environmental matters, and sociocultural ties. Additionally, leaders are expected to finalise the budget and make crucial decisions to enhance cooperation among the SCO member states.

(With inputs from agencies)