The 24th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State (SCO Summit) is scheduled for July 4 in Astana, Kazakhstan, under the presidency of Kazakhstan. Leading the Indian delegation will be External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

The SCO Summit presents an opportunity for leaders to assess the organization's progress over the past two decades and deliberate on future multilateral cooperation. Discussions will encompass key regional and international issues of significance, according to a statement released ahead of the summit.

India's approach within the SCO is guided by the Prime Minister's vision of a 'SECURE' SCO. The acronym 'SECURE' encapsulates India's focus on Security, Economic cooperation, Connectivity, Unity, Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and Environmental protection.

Previously, India held its inaugural SCO presidency and hosted the 23rd Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State virtually on July 4, 2023.

The SCO comprises member states representing half of the world's population and nearly a third of global GDP. The 2024 summit anticipates new developments as Belarus prepares to join as the tenth member, following Iran's recent accession to the bloc.

The upcoming SCO Summit not only underscores India's active role in global affairs but also highlights its commitment to fostering regional stability and economic cooperation within the SCO framework.

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