S Jaishankar Welcomes Belarus to SCO and Discusses Key Issues with Russia and Kazakhstan

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with Belarusian Foreign Minister Maksim Ryzhenkov on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Astana. He welcomed Belarus as the newest member of the SCO and discussed the future growth potential of their bilateral relations.

Jaishankar also met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, where he raised concerns about Indian nationals in the war zone in Russia and discussed the global strategic landscape. He noted progress in various areas since their last meeting in December 2023.

During his visit to Astana, Jaishankar paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Pushkin Park, accompanied by members of the Indian community. He was welcomed by Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Bakaye upon his arrival.

Jaishankar also met with Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu to discuss expanding strategic partnerships and India’s increasing engagement with Central Asia. They exchanged views on regional and global issues.

The SCO Summit is being held under Kazakhstan’s chairmanship on July 3-4, 2024.