Vladivostok — India emphasized its dedication to a WTO-centred, fair, open, and inclusive multilateral trading system at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Trade Ministers’ Meeting. Represented by Shri Amitabh Kumar, Additional Secretary (Department of Commerce), India called for coordinated action among SCO members—who account for 42% of the world’s population and 17.2% of global trade—to enhance export diversification, build resilient supply chains, and support inclusive economic growth.
Key Indian Initiatives and Policy Proposals
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India showcased cutting-edge Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) like UPI for real-time payments, India Stack, and ONDC, advocating their adoption as efficient, low-cost, standards-based solutions for MSMEs and cross-border digital engagement.
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Proposed new SCO workstreams for cooperation on e-commerce, with regulatory frameworks focused on fairness, security, and transparency, while promoting voluntary sharing of best practices and capacity-building for innovation-led digitalisation.
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Stressed export diversification and de-risking supply chains through geographical spread, logistics, market access, and connectivity, upholding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Advocacy for Fairer Trade and Inclusive Growth
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Called for permanent WTO solutions on Public Stockholding for food security, restoration of a fully functional two-tier WTO dispute resolution, and effective Special & Differential Treatment for developing countries.
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Pressed for improved market access, streamlined trade facilitation, and cooperation on standards to address trade imbalances, while advocating that export-related measures should not distort global markets or create artificial scarcity.
Focus on Sustainable Development, Climate Action, and AVGC Sector
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Reiterated support for equitable climate action under the principles of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), highlighting India’s Mission LiFE and urging climate finance and affordable technology for developing nations.
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Highlighted India’s AVGC sector (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics) as a new engine of exports and employment, recapping the success of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) and related creative industry initiatives.
India’s Regional Engagement: SCO Trade Ministers
India thanked Russia for a substantive trade agenda during its SCO presidency and affirmed willingness to cooperate with Tajikistan’s upcoming chairmanship (2026–27) for region-wide inclusive growth and practical cooperation.
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Source: PIB
