India inaugurates New Delhi Hall at SCO secretariat in Beijing; foreign minister says it depicts ‘mini India’

In a video address, Jaishankar expressed his pleasure in inaugurating the New Delhi Hall and highlighted that this initiative was undertaken during India’s first-ever SCO presidency.

• Shubham
• 27 June, 2023

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By: Shubham Ghosh

AHEAD of the upcoming virtual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in July, India on Tuesday (27) inaugurated the ‘New Delhi Hall’ at the SCO secretariat in Beijing. External affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar described the hall as a representation of “mini-India” and a showcase of Indian culture. The SCO comprises China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, and Pakistan, with the secretariat located in Beijing.

While the other six founding members of the SCO have their own halls highlighting their respective cultures, India is the first to establish the ‘New Delhi Hall,’ which was officially opened in preparation for the virtual summit on July 4. Pakistan will have to wait for its turn to establish its hall within the SCO secretariat.

In a video address, Jaishankar expressed his pleasure in inaugurating the New Delhi Hall and highlighted that this initiative was undertaken during India’s first-ever SCO presidency, which will conclude soon with the summit. The hall aims to provide a glimpse into various aspects of Indian culture and has been designed with intricate patterns and motifs representing the country’s architectural craftsmanship.

The New Delhi Hall combines traditional design with modern technology to facilitate both physical and virtual meetings.

Jaishankar expressed his hope that the hall would serve as a valuable addition to the SCO secretariat, adding an Indian touch to its multicultural and multinational character. He emphasized that the hall symbolizes India’s commitment to the idea of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or ‘The World is One Family.’

The inauguration of the hall will enhance the Secretariat’s capacity to host activities and meetings, which are expanding each year. It will contribute to the efficient functioning of the SCO Secretariat and its mission of fostering cooperation among member countries.

(With agency inputs)