- The 10th Meeting of SCO Transport Ministers chairs by Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi.
- It was unanimously agreed by all member states to cooperate on the “Concept of collaboration among SCO Member States to reduce carbon emissions in transportation, encourage digital transformation and innovative technologies to achieve increased efficiency and sustainability.”
- Gadkari highlighted India’s efforts towards sustainable transportation and invited SCO member states to participate in India’s e-mobility initiatives.
- The meeting focused on promoting regional connectivity and trade through efficient and sustainable transportation infrastructure.
The 10th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Transport Ministers was held on April 28, 2023, in New Delhi, chaired by Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is currently made up of 8 member states, namely India, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, & Uzbekistan. The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation among member states in the field of transportation and infrastructure development.
Importance of Sustainable and Innovative Transportation
During the meeting, all SCO member states endorsed the concept of collaborating to reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector, adopt innovative technologies, and promote digital transformation to enhance efficiency and sustainability. Gadkari emphasized the importance of sustainable and innovative transportation for the economic growth and development of the SCO region. He highlighted the need for collaboration among member states to promote the use of electric vehicles, reduce carbon emissions, and adopt digital technologies for efficient and sustainable transportation.
India’s Efforts Towards Sustainable Transportation
Gadkari shared India’s efforts toward sustainable transportation, including the promotion of electric mobility, the development of green highways, and the use of alternative fuels. He invited SCO member states to participate in India’s e-mobility initiatives, including the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme and the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP).
Focus on Regional Connectivity and Trade
The meeting also focused on promoting regional connectivity and trade through efficient and sustainable transportation infrastructure. The member states discussed the development of transport corridors, including the International North-South Transport Corridor, the Chabahar Port project, and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. They also discussed the potential for cooperation in areas such as road safety, logistics, and multimodal transportation.
