India’s Call for Unwavering Resolve Against Terrorism at SCO Meeting

At the SCO Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Tianjin, Dr. S. Jaishankar emphasized the need for collective accountability against terrorism, referencing the Pahalgam attack. He urged SCO nations to stabilize the global order and enhance cooperation based on mutual respect. Jaishankar highlighted India's initiatives in innovation and connectivity, including the INSTC, and called for aid to Afghanistan. He stressed the SCO's role in a multi-polar world and held key discussions with Russian and Iranian counterparts, reaffirming India’s commitment to regional stability and collaboration.

In a powerful address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting in Tianjin, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar reiterated the urgency of adopting a firm stance against terrorism. Citing the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India, Jaishankar highlighted the global implications of such acts and called for collective accountability to combat these threats effectively.

The April 22 attack in Pahalgam, designed to disrupt the tourism economy in Jammu and Kashmir and deepen religious divisions, was strongly condemned by the UN Security Council. In his remarks, Jaishankar stated, "The UN Security Council has underscored the necessity of holding the perpetrators, organizers, and sponsors of such heinous crimes accountable. India has acted decisively in this regard and will continue to do so. For the SCO to remain true to its founding principles, it must adopt an uncompromising stance against terrorism, separatism, and extremism—three evils that often operate together."

Strengthening Cooperation Amid Global Challenges

Dr. Jaishankar emphasized the need for SCO member nations to work collaboratively to stabilize the global order, especially in the face of rising conflicts, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical competition. He noted, "The challenge before us is to stabilize the global order, mitigate risks, and address long-standing issues that threaten our collective interests."

He also underlined the importance of mutual respect, sovereign equality, and adherence to territorial integrity as foundational principles for cooperation within the SCO framework. India, he said, is committed to fostering collaboration in areas such as startup innovation, traditional medicine, and digital public infrastructure, offering initiatives that benefit all member states.

Enhancing Regional Connectivity and Economic Integration

Jaishankar stressed the critical importance of addressing logistical barriers to trade and investment within the SCO region. He highlighted the lack of assured transit routes as a significant obstacle to deeper economic collaboration. "To advance trade and investment, we must resolve the current challenges, including the absence of reliable transit within the SCO space. This is essential for advocating meaningful economic cooperation," he said.

He also pointed to the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) as a key initiative to enhance regional connectivity and expressed confidence in its growing momentum.

Afghanistan: A Shared Responsibility

Addressing the ongoing challenges in Afghanistan, Jaishankar called on the international community, particularly SCO members, to provide development assistance to the country. "Regional stability demands that we prioritize the well-being of the Afghan people. India, for its part, will continue to extend support," he affirmed.

The Role of SCO in a Multi-Polar World

Dr. Jaishankar highlighted the emergence of effective groupings like the SCO in today’s increasingly multi-polar world, emphasizing the need for unified action on shared agendas. "The redistribution of global capacities and the rise of groupings like the SCO underscore our ability to influence world affairs. However, this requires coming together with a shared vision," he remarked.

High-Level Interactions on the Sidelines

On the sidelines of the meeting, Jaishankar held discussions with key counterparts, including Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. These interactions reflected India's commitment to strengthening bilateral relationships and fostering regional cooperation.

The Tianjin meeting also marked Jaishankar’s first visit to China since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, which had strained India-China relations. His visit follows recent engagements by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, both of whom participated in SCO-related events. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is expected to visit India soon for further discussions aimed at resolving the long-standing border dispute.

As the global landscape continues to evolve, India’s call for a united and resolute approach within the SCO underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing shared challenges and shaping the future of international relations.