India reaffirmed its commitment to a fair, inclusive, and WTO-centred multilateral trading system during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Trade Ministers’ Meeting held in Vladivostok on September 6. Representing the Commerce and Industry Ministry, Additional Secretary Amitabh Kumar emphasized the need for coordinated action to enhance trade flows, diversify exports, and build resilient supply chains across the SCO region, which accounts for 42% of the global population and 17.2% of world trade.
India advocated for a development-focused agenda at the World Trade Organization, including a permanent solution on Public Stockholding for food security, effective Special and Differential Treatment for developing countries, and restoration of a fully functional two-tier dispute settlement system. Kumar also highlighted the role of services trade and temporary movement of skilled professionals to boost economic growth and MSME participation in global value chains.
India urged SCO members to diversify and de-risk supply chains through geographical spread, interoperable logistics, predictable market access, and enhanced connectivity, while respecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity. It cautioned against weaponizing export-related measures, warning that artificial scarcity and market distortion undermine trust in international commerce.
On digital trade, India proposed SCO cooperation on fair and secure e-commerce frameworks, showcasing its Digital Public Infrastructure achievements such as UPI for real-time payments, India Stack for identity and consent management, and ONDC for unbundled digital commerce. These low-cost, standards-based models were presented as replicable solutions to reduce MSME costs and enable real-time settlements among trusted partners.
India reiterated its commitment to sustainable development, invoking the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities. It spotlighted the Mission LiFE initiative and stressed that climate action must be supported by finance and affordable technology flows. India warned against trade-linked climate measures that result in arbitrary or unjustified discrimination.
The country also promoted its AVGC sector—Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics—as a driver of employment and exports. It recalled the success of WAVES 2025, the first World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit, which drew participants from over 100 countries and launched initiatives like Waves Bazaar for media collaboration, WaveX for creative start-up funding, and Creatosphere for talent development. With 17 co-production agreements and simplified regulatory frameworks, India is positioning itself as a global film production hub through the India Cine Hub.
India thanked the Russian Presidency for advancing a substantive trade agenda and pledged continued collaboration under Tajikistan’s upcoming chairmanship to promote inclusive economic growth across the SCO region.
