External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Tianjin, China, on Tuesday, emphasizing India's commitment to bringing the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack to justice. Jaishankar reminded the SCO member states of the organization's founding objectives and urged them to maintain an uncompromising stance against terrorism.

The April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, mostly tourists, was a key point of discussion. Jaishankar stated that the attack was deliberately orchestrated to undermine the tourism economy of Jammu and Kashmir and to incite religious division. He highlighted that the United Nations Security Council had strongly condemned the attack and emphasized the need to hold the perpetrators, organizers, financiers, and sponsors accountable.

Jaishankar affirmed that India has taken decisive action following the attack and will continue to do so. In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, India launched "Operation Sindoor" on May 7, targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and areas under Pakistan's illegal occupation. This operation reflects India's strategy of not distinguishing between terrorists and their backers. Pakistan retaliated with strikes on civilian and military targets, leading to a cross-border escalation that de-escalated on May 10.

During the SCO meeting, Jaishankar indirectly criticized Pakistan, emphasizing that the "three evils" of terrorism, separatism, and extremism often occur together. He reminded the SCO members that the organization was established to combat these threats and must maintain an uncompromising position.

Pakistan's representative, Ishaq Dar, rejected India's allegations regarding Pakistan's involvement in the Pahalgam attack, calling for credible investigation and verifiable evidence.

Jaishankar's message was delivered during his first visit to China since the Galwan Valley clashes in June 2020. He stressed the importance of regional cooperation based on mutual trust to stabilize the global order. He noted the increasing conflicts, competition, and economic instability worldwide, emphasizing the need to stabilize the global order and address long-standing challenges through cooperation.

In addition to terrorism, Jaishankar also touched upon the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity within the SCO. He indirectly referred to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), against which India has consistently opposed the project as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He also advocated for enhanced trade and investment among SCO members, which would require resolving transit restrictions and promoting initiatives such as the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).