Image Credit: X account @DrSJaishankar
EAM Jaishankar urges SCO to act firmly against terrorism
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has urged member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to adopt an uncompromising stance against terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Speaking at the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Tianjin, China, Jaishankar stressed that the organisation must not tolerate or justify any form of terrorism under political or ideological pretexts.
He specifically referred to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. Jaishankar described it as a deliberate attempt to destabilize the region, disrupt its tourism sector, and create communal unrest. He said those responsible, as well as those who support or finance terrorism, must be held fully accountable.
SCO Must Reinforce Its Foundational Mandate
Reiterating SCO’s founding principles, Jaishankar said the group was formed to counter terrorism, separatism, and extremism, and must not compromise on this mission. He warned that any complacency would affect the credibility of the SCO as a regional security body.
He added that member countries should move beyond verbal commitments and work toward effective cooperation in intelligence sharing, law enforcement, and counter-terrorism operations.
Call for Greater Regional Cooperation
Jaishankar also highlighted the importance of regional stability and economic collaboration within the SCO. He pushed for stronger trade connectivity through initiatives like the International North-South Transport Corridor and deeper cooperation in fields such as digital infrastructure, startups, traditional medicine, and humanitarian aid for Afghanistan.
He emphasized that as global challenges continue to grow, forums like SCO must play a greater role in creating multipolar stability and responsible partnerships across the region.
