India’s Amitabh Kumar urged coordinated action in SCO to boost trade, cut vulnerabilities, ensure inclusive growth
New Delhi
India underlined its strong support for a fair, open, and non-discriminatory trading system based on WTO norms during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Vladivostok, Russia. The meeting came at a time of global trade uncertainty caused by tariff disputes, the Commerce Ministry said on Sunday.
Representing India, Additional Secretary Amitabh Kumar highlighted the need for coordinated action to enhance trade, reduce vulnerabilities, and ensure inclusive growth in the SCO region, which accounts for 42% of the world’s population and 17.2% of global trade. He pressed for resilient supply chains, export diversification, and greater market access to address persistent trade imbalances.
India emphasised a development-oriented agenda, including a permanent solution on public stockholding for food security, effective treatment for developing nations, and restoration of the WTO’s dispute settlement system. Kumar also underlined the importance of services trade, temporary movement of skilled professionals, and greater MSME participation in global value chains.
On supply chain resilience, India called for geographic diversification, interoperable logistics, and predictable access. It cautioned against weaponising export measures, urging calibrated and transparent use to avoid artificial scarcity and market distortion.
India proposed SCO workstreams for the digital economy, focusing on fair regulations, capacity building, and voluntary cooperation. It showcased its Digital Public Infrastructure, including UPI, India Stack, and ONDC, as low-cost, replicable models to reduce costs and expand MSME access.
On sustainability, India promoted equity under the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities, highlighting its Mission LiFE initiative. It warned that trade-linked climate steps should not become discriminatory.
India also showcased the AVGC sector, recalling WAVES 2025, which fostered global media partnerships and creative industry growth, positioning India as a global film hub.
