India remains steadfast in its commitment to bring the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack to justice, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar affirmed at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Tianjin, China. Speaking before his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar, Jaishankar addressed the foreign ministers of the SCO, emphasizing the need for the organization to take an "uncompromising position" against terrorism.

The April 22, 2025, terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists, was a "graphic example" of the "three evils" of terrorism, separatism, and extremism, according to Jaishankar. He stated that the attack was deliberately orchestrated to undermine the tourism economy of Jammu and Kashmir and to sow religious divisions.

Jaishankar referred to the UN Security Council's strong condemnation of the attack, highlighting the need to hold the perpetrators, organizers, financiers, and sponsors of the reprehensible act accountable and bring them to justice. He asserted that India has taken resolute action and will continue to do so. Following the attack, on May 7, India launched "Operation Sindoor," targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This operation triggered a series of military strikes between India and Pakistan, resulting in a cross-border flare-up that lasted until an understanding was reached on May 10.

India has also taken other strong measures in response to the Pahalgam attack, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 and closing the Integrated Check Post Attari. Furthermore, Pakistani nationals have been barred from traveling to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES), and any SVES visas previously issued to Pakistani nationals have been canceled.

At the SCO meeting, Jaishankar reminded the organization of its founding principles, which aim to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism. He urged the SCO to adopt a firm stance against terrorism, emphasizing that India will continue working to bring the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack to justice. While raising the issue, Jaishankar did not directly name Pakistan, as the SCO charter prohibits member states from raising hostilities in bilateral relations.

The Indian foreign minister's remarks come against the backdrop of China's support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor and its repeated blocking of efforts at the UN to sanction Pakistan-based terrorists. Despite these challenges, India is pressing for a strong condemnation of terrorism in the SCO declaration, including specific mention of the Pahalgam attack.

Jaishankar also emphasized that cooperation within the SCO must be based on mutual respect, sovereign equality, and territorial integrity. He called for greater collaboration among member states, including deeper trade and investment, while also addressing existing obstacles such as transit restrictions. He advocated for the advancement of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) to enhance connectivity with Central Asia and Europe.