Moscow, Russia – External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a firm message at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in Moscow, reaffirming India's unwavering stance against terrorism. He asserted India's right to defend its citizens against terrorist threats, emphasizing that there can be "no justification, no looking away, and no whitewashing" of terrorism in any form.
Jaishankar reminded the SCO member states that the organization was founded to combat the "three evils" of terrorism, separatism, and extremism, threats that have only intensified over the years. He called for a unified, global "zero tolerance" approach towards terrorism. "It is imperative that the world displays zero tolerance towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," Jaishankar stated. "There can be no justification, no looking away, and no whitewashing. As India has demonstrated, we have the right to defend our people against terrorism, and we will exercise it".
His remarks come amid growing concerns over recent terror incidents in India. On April 22, twenty-six civilians were killed in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam region, carried out by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). More recently, on November 10, a car blast near Delhi's Red Fort killed at least 15 people, with the Union Cabinet confirming the explosion as a terror attack.
Jaishankar's address also highlighted the necessity for the SCO to adapt to the evolving global landscape. He advocated for an expanded agenda and reforms in the organization's working methods to address contemporary challenges effectively. He stressed the importance of de-risking and diversifying economic links among SCO members, promoting fair, transparent, and equitable cooperation. India's ongoing efforts to establish free trade agreements with several regional countries are part of a broader strategy to build resilient and secure economic networks.
In addition to counter-terrorism efforts, Jaishankar emphasized India's historical and cultural ties with SCO member states, viewing these shared civilizational roots as an asset to deepen people-to-people connections. He referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposal for an SCO Civilizational Dialogue Forum, aimed at celebrating shared heritage and expanding cultural exchanges within the bloc.
On the economic front, Jaishankar cautioned that the global financial environment remains "uncertain and volatile," with supply-side disruptions merging with demand-side pressures. He urged SCO members to diversify partnerships and "forge the widest possible economic links," emphasizing that cooperation must be fair and transparent.
Jaishankar's strong statements at the SCO meeting reflect India's commitment to combating terrorism and promoting regional stability. They also underscore India's proactive role in shaping the SCO's agenda and ensuring its relevance in the face of emerging global challenges. His visit to Russia included discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on bilateral, regional, and international issues, further solidifying the strategic partnership between the two nations.
