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Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has decided to include India as a full-fledged member, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Prime Minister Narendra Modi tonight, two days ahead of the Summit of the six-nation grouping.
During a 90-minute meeting with Modi here, Putin, the host of the SCO Summit, said, "We are beginning the process of full-fledged inclusion of India into the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation."
"It a very important event", he said.
Thanking Putin for the news, Modi said, "Under your leadership in BRICS, India has become a member of SCO. I am very grateful."
As of now, India has Observer status in the grouping, which comprises Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Pakistan, another Observer country, is also expected to be granted membership.
