Speech by Mr. Rajesh Uike, Ambassador of the Republic of India to the Republic of Tajikistan at the Conference
on
"Central Asia - the core of the SCO:
25 years of cooperation for joint development"
at
the SCO Center for Friendship and Cooperation
Dushanbe, 19 June 2025
Hon’ble Mr. Sirojiddin Mukhriddin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan,
Mr. Safarzoda Davron Jurakhon, Rector of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Head of the SCO Center for Friendship and Cooperation at this Academy;
H.E. Mr. Rashid Olimov, Former Secretary General of SCO, Chairman of the Advisory Council of SCO Friendship and Cooperation Center in Tajikistan;
Excellencies, Ambassadors, Ladies and Gentlemen;
Greetings and good day to all of you!
It is both an honor and a pleasure to address this distinguished gathering today on the International Conference entitled "Central Asia - the core of the SCO: 25 years of cooperation for joint development".
I commend the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, and the SCO Friendship and Cooperation Center for organizing this important and timely event.
The theme of this conference — “Central Asia: the Core of the SCO” — is not only accurate in geographic terms, but deeply meaningful in strategic, cultural, and historical dimensions. Central Asia lies at the heart of Eurasia, and has for centuries been a bridge of trade, dialogue, and civilizational exchange. Today, the region stands as a key driver of regional integration and cooperation within the SCO family.
Over the past 25 years, the SCO has evolved from a regional security framework into a broad platform for multilateral cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism, connectivity, trade, environment, education, and sustainable development. India, as a proud member of the SCO, remains firmly committed to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Central Asia.
We view the stability and sovereignty of Central Asian states as critical to regional and global security. In this regard, we appreciate the leadership role played by Tajikistan in promoting dialogue, countering extremism, and supporting multilateralism.
India brings to the SCO its own civilizational ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family — and its strong belief that shared prosperity can only be achieved through mutual respect, inclusive development, and collective action.
Our initiatives in capacity building, digital transformation, education, health, energy, and people-to-people contacts are aligned with the broader goals of the SCO. India has also placed a strong emphasis on connectivity, culture, and climate resilience, recognizing them as key pillars of sustainable regional development.
As we reflect on the last 25 years, it is equally important to look ahead. The challenges we face — be they security threats, water scarcity, economic fragmentation, or the impacts of climate change — can only be addressed through deeper cooperation, mutual understanding, and an unwavering commitment to peace.
In conclusion, let us recommit ourselves to the vision of the SCO — a vision rooted in trust, equality, and constructive dialogue — and work together to transform this region into a zone of stability, opportunity, and innovation for the generations to come.
Thank You!
*****
