Develop reliable, resilient, diversified supply chains: PM Narendra Modi at SCO

"Today, when the whole world is facing the challenges of economic recovery after the pandemic, the role of SCO is very important... The pandemic and the crisis in Ukraine have caused many disruptions in global supply chains, leaving the world facing unprecedented energy and food crises," the Prime Minister said addressing the SCO Summit here in Uzbekistan.

"SCO should strive to develop reliable, resilient and diversified supply chains in our region. For this, better connectivity will be required and it will also be important that we all give full rights of transit to each other," he added.

The Prime Minister said that SCO member countries contribute about 30 per cent to global GDP, and 40 per cent of the world's population also resides in SCO countries.

He said that India supports greater cooperation and mutual trust among SCO members.

The SCO Summit got underway here on Friday with participation of the leaders of eight member states, namely India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Ahead of the formal start of the Summit, Modi was welcomed by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev upon arrival at the Congress Centre here.

Modi is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on the sidelines of the Summit.

Later in the evening, the Prime Minister will pay floral tribute to the first President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov who passed away in 2016.

(With UNI inputs)