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ET has reliably gathered that preparatory teams have visited the Central Asian country for a possible visit by Modi for the CSO summit on September 15-16. But a political call on undertaking the visit will be taken at an appropriate time, it has been learnt.
If he visits, the summit will provide Modi an opportunity to come face to face with the Chinese president as well as Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. A meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin also cannot be ruled out if Modi is in Samarkand. The two share strong chemistry and have held four conversations over telephone so far this year.
Sino-Indian ties are lukewarm following Beijing’s intransigence on completing disengagement along the LAC in Ladakh sector despite several rounds of talks between the two sides. Interestingly, an Indian Army contingent will be part of ‘Vostok’ military exercise hosted by Russia involving China among other countries ahead of the summit.
The visit, if it materialises, will happen in the backdrop of India taking over the SCO Presidency in 2023 and therefore hosting the summit here.
Countering terrorism and extremism, Afghan stability, and inclusive connectivity corridors (INSTC and Chabahar port), besides food and energy security, would be among India’s priorities for the summit.
Modi’s presence could also see him meeting the Central Asian leaders including host Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Iran President Ebrahim Raisi is also expected to be part of the summit with Iran to be formally inducted as the new SCO member.
In the run up to the summit, foreign minister S Jaishankar and deputy national security adviser Vikram Misri attended SCO foreign minister and NSA-level meetings. Defence minister Rajnath Singh is also expected to be part of SCO defence ministers meet in the coming weeks.
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