A security bloc led by China and Russia began Friday the process of accepting India and Pakistan as members, a move seen as part of its efforts to counter terrorism and extremism in the region.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, also involving Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, held a summit in the Russian city of Ufa. India and Pakistan among others are observers.
To join the group, India and Pakistan will be required to ratify treaties under the SCO charter while their financial obligations must be worked out. It will be the first expansion of the organization, set up in 2001.
Relations between the two countries have been strained over the disputed territory of Kashmir, with accusations and counter-accusations of interference through their intelligence agencies.
Bringing them into the security bloc is aimed at securing the SCO region against terrorism and extremism, a diplomat from a member country said earlier.
The situation in Afghanistan and its destabilizing effects on the SCO countries were among the agenda for the summit.
Chinese President
Xi Jinping welcomed the start of the accession process of India and Pakistan, saying it will help enhance cooperation within the SCO.
==Kyodo
Category: Daily Witness, National
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