“We are not currently planning to establish a common payment system within SCO, but we are actively working on boosting the use of national currencies in transactions,” Yermekbayev said in response to a question regarding a common payment system.

The SCO’s push for greater use of national currencies in trade has gained momentum in light of Western sanctions, particularly those targeting Russia over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The SCO Secretary-General emphasized that a special roadmap is in place to advance this initiative, which includes modifying national legislation and building the necessary infrastructure to support national currency payments among SCO member states.

Yermekbayev highlighted that some countries within the SCO have already started using national currencies in their trade agreements. This aligns with the organization’s broader goals of enhancing financial sovereignty and reducing dependence on external payment systems, particularly those dominated by Western powers.

In addition to this, there are ongoing discussions about creating new financial structures within the SCO framework, including a Development Bank, Development Fund, and Investment Fund. These structures aim to promote economic integration and regional development among member states.

While discussions about a potential common currency have also been taking place within the BRICS group, the idea faces challenges, with U.S. President Donald Trump threatening tariffs on BRICS nations if they move forward with a unified currency.

Founded in 2001 by Russia and China, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has expanded over the years to include India, Pakistan, and several Central Asian nations. The organization continues to focus on improving economic collaboration and security cooperation, with Yermekbayev emphasizing that military drills conducted under SCO are strictly anti-terrorist in nature and not aimed at any specific nation.

As discussions around financial independence and economic integration continue within the SCO, the organization’s efforts to strengthen trade in national currencies mark a key step toward reducing reliance on external financial systems.

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The three entities, namely Indian Rare Earths, the Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Centre (IGCAR), and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), had been under restrictions on the US Entity List for several years. However, the US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) recently announced their removal, a decision that signals improved prospects for bilateral cooperation.

A Positive Step for India-US Relations

The MEA welcomed the move, highlighting its potential to enhance collaboration between the two nations in key strategic sectors. “It is a welcome step. These have been on the entity list of the US for several years. This action by the US government will lead to greater collaboration between India and the United States in the fields of nuclear energy, clean energy, and also in the field of critical minerals,” stated MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

The spokesperson also emphasized that the removal aligns with ongoing discussions, particularly within the framework of the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), a high-level dialogue aimed at fostering innovation and cooperation in critical sectors. Jaiswal added that India is looking forward to increased engagement with the US in these vital areas.

Advancing Clean Energy and Critical Minerals Cooperation

The US Department of Commerce has underscored the strategic importance of the removals, particularly regarding the advancement of clean energy and critical minerals cooperation. Matthew Borman, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration, noted, “The removal of the three Indian entities will enable closer cooperation between the United States and India to secure more resilient critical minerals and clean energy supply chains.”

This development is seen as a significant step toward strengthening India’s access to essential resources needed to accelerate its clean energy transition and bolster its nuclear energy capabilities. The US and India have long shared mutual interests in securing critical minerals, which are fundamental to various high-tech industries, including renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles, and telecommunications.

Addressing Sanctions and Energy Security

In a related matter, the MEA also addressed the recent sanctions imposed by the US on entities in the Russian energy sector. The sanctions, announced on January 10, target several individuals and companies linked to the Russian energy industry. India, which has maintained strong ties with Russia in the energy sector, has indicated that it is in active discussions with US authorities to clarify the implications of these sanctions on Indian entities.

Jaiswal emphasized that India’s oil purchases are guided by the country’s own energy security needs, taking into account global market conditions and geopolitical circumstances. “Our oil purchases have been and always are guided by our own energy security requirements along with prevailing global circumstances and market conditions. That is how we look at the scenario,” he explained.

India is working closely with relevant agencies to ensure that Indian companies are fully aware of the legal implications of these new sanctions and are prepared to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape.

Looking Forward to Deeper Collaboration

The removal of these three Indian entities from the US Entity List marks a significant milestone.

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