MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Earlier in the day, the heads of the SCO countries, comprising China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, launched the process of acceptance of India and Pakistan as member states in the organization despite complicated relations between New Delhi and Islamabad.
“All central Asian countries are already members of the SCO and Pakistan and India have certain stakes in central Asia, and given that the SCO is achieving greater importance … they don’t want to be left out,” Athar Hussain said.
He added that the fact that both countries had joined the organization might provide a platform for bilateral contacts.
“It’s first time both countries are member of an international organization committed to security, dealing with terrorism movement and groups, that also affect Pakistan and India.”
Relations between India and Pakistan have been strained over ownership of the Kashmir region following the end of British rule in the subcontinent almost seven decades ago. Four wars and a number of military conflicts later, India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire in 2003. Both sides have repeatedly accused each other of violating the truce.
The two SCO observer states lodged their admission applications in September 2014.
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif earlier in the day characterized the proposed accession to SCO as a turning point in the organization’s history.
