SCO members should respect sovereignty, territorial integrity of countries: Gadkari

Insisting that connectivity with Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) countries is a priority for India, Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday said that its members should respect the sovereignty, and territorial integrity of countries while promoting connectivity.

Chairing the 10th meeting for SCO transport ministers, Gadkari said, "Connectivity is itself an economic multiplier... connectivity with SCO countries is a priority for India. We must ensure demand-driven and sustainable development and cooperation but also respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of the countries.

Noting that India is committed towards the promotion of solutions to make the transport sector more efficient and reliable, Gadkari said that India attaches special attention to SCO in promoting economy and people-to-people interaction in the region.

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India would like to appreciate the initiative of SCO members which aimed to strengthen security in the region and enhance cooperation in political trade, science and technology. India is ready to cooperate, to improve the connectivity in the region, Gadkari said.

Gadkari also called upon SCO member states to collaborate for research and development for effective solutions to contemporary challenges in the road transport sector.

A Special Working Group has been established to promote collaboration among member states of the SCO in the field of transportation. This group will facilitate meetings to share knowledge and best practices related to reducing carbon emissions in transportation, promoting digital transformation, and implementing innovative technologies for more sustainable and efficient transport.

He further said a special working group has been established to promote collaboration among member states of the SCO in the field of transportation.

The SCO is an influential economic and security bloc and has emerged as one of the largest transregional international organisations.