TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
THE CONTEXT: At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit held in the Kazakh capital, External Affairs Minister emphasized climate change as a critical concern globally.
EXPLANATION:
- Delivering Prime Minister’s remarks, External Affairs Minister highlighted India’s efforts towards reducing emissions and developing climate-resilient infrastructure.
India’s Commitment to Emission Reduction
- Transition to Alternate Fuels and Electric Vehicles
- India’s commitment to reducing emissions through the transition to alternate fuels and the adoption of electric vehicles has been underscored.
- These measures are part of India’s broader strategy to mitigate the impacts of climate change and move towards sustainable energy solutions.
- Building Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
- In addition to reducing emissions, India is focused on constructing infrastructure that can withstand the impacts of climate change.
- This involves planning and building projects that are resilient to extreme weather events and other climate-related challenges.
- Concept Paper on Decarbonization
- During India’s presidency of the SCO, significant steps were taken to promote decarbonization in the transportation sector.
- A Joint Statement on emerging fuels and a Concept Paper on decarbonization were approved, showcasing India’s leadership in advancing sustainable transportation initiatives within the SCO framework.
Long-Term Climate Goals
- Achieving Net Zero by 2070
- Prime Minister had previously announced at the annual climate conference that India aims to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070.
- This ambitious target demonstrates India’s commitment to playing a significant role in global climate action.
- Emission Intensity Reduction and Non-Fossil Fuel Share
- India plans to reduce its emissions intensity by 45% by 2030.
- Additionally, the country aims to increase the share of non-fossil fuel energy to 50% of its total energy mix.
- These targets are aligned with India’s commitment to sustainable development and reducing its carbon footprint.
Connectivity and Economic Development
- The importance of robust connectivity for economic development has been highlighted.
- Enhanced connectivity can facilitate cooperation and build trust between societies, fostering economic growth and development.
- For connectivity and infrastructure projects to be successful, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is essential.
- The importance of non-discriminatory trade rights and transit regimes has been stressed by the External Affairs Minister, urging the SCO to deliberate seriously on these aspects to ensure fair and equitable development.
Technological Advancement and AI Cooperation
- India is among the leading countries in formulating a National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- The country has also launched an AI Mission, reflecting its commitment to leveraging technology for societal welfare and progress.
- India’s commitment to “AI for All” is demonstrated by its efforts to work within the SCO framework on a Roadmap on AI cooperation.
- This initiative aims to foster collaboration among SCO member states to harness AI for the benefit of all societies.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
- The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a Eurasian political, economic and security grouping founded on the 15th of June, 2001.
- It is headquartered in Beijing.
- Its members include China, Russia, India and Pakistan, as well as 4 Central Asian countries – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
- It is the world’s largest regional grouping, covering about 60 per cent of the area of Eurasia, 40 per cent of the global population and more than 30 per cent of the global GDP.
- India and Pakistan became members in 2017. The SCO is currently the world’s largest regional organization.
- The main objectives of the SCO are to
- strengthen relations among member states;
- promote cooperation in political affairs, economics and trade, scientific-technical, cultural, and educational spheres as well as in energy, transportation, tourism, and environmental protection;
- safeguard regional peace, security, and stability; and
- create a democratic, equitable international political and economic order.