India Reaffirms Commitment to SCO Charter

• 07 Sep 2023

On 5^th September, 2023, during the 10th meeting of the Ministers of Law and Justice of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), India reiterated its dedication to the SCO charter's principles and highlighted its ongoing legal reforms and digital data protection efforts.

Key Points:

• India's Commitment to SCO Principles: India restated its commitment to the SCO charter, emphasizing principles like mutual trust, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and mutual benefit.
• Streamlining Legal Framework: India has abolished 1486 archaic laws, simplifying the legal framework and improving citizens' quality of life and the business environment.
• Promoting Alternative Dispute Resolution: India encourages 'mediation' as a primary means of conflict resolution.
• Adapting to Modern Realities: India is modernizing colonial-era laws like the Indian Penal Code (1860) and Criminal Procedure Code (1898) to cater to contemporary needs.
• Drawing from Legal Heritage: New laws draw inspiration from India's rich legal heritage.
• Digital Ecosystem: India emphasized the importance of protecting digital data and creating a secure digital ecosystem worldwide.

Commitments Made

• Enhancing Cooperation: Commitment to enhance legal and judicial cooperation among SCO member nations.
• Implementation of Cooperation Agreement: Pledge to continue implementing the Co-operation Agreement.
• Facilitating Exchange: Plans to organize conferences and legal cooperation forums for experience sharing.
• Expert Working Groups: Commitment to sustain the work of Expert Working Groups on Forensic Expertise and Legal Services.