Jaishankar Emphasizes Counterterrorism at SCO Meet in Tianjin

Tianjin (China), Jul 15 (PTI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conclave, emphasized the organization's need to adhere to its founding goals of combating terrorism and extremism. He urged an "uncompromising" stance against these challenges, strongly justifying India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

Speaking with counterparts from Pakistan, China, and other SCO nations, Jaishankar described the Pahalgam attack as a deliberate attempt to disrupt Jammu and Kashmir's tourism and incite religious discord, reaffirming India's steadfast commitment to counterterrorism.

In his address at the SCO foreign ministers meeting in Tianjin, Jaishankar expressed India's willingness to support new collaborative ideas, underscoring the importance of mutual respect, sovereign equality, and adherence to territorial integrity among member states.

His comments came amidst growing global scrutiny of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for perceived sovereignty violations and transparency issues.

The external affairs minister's remarks also highlighted New Delhi's concerns over Beijing's implied support of Islamabad during Operation Sindoor and instances where China blocked UN Security Council efforts to sanction Pakistan-based terrorists.

Addressing broader concerns, Jaishankar noted global "conflicts, competition, and coercion," stressing the need to stabilize the international order and address issues that threaten shared interests.

Jaishankar centered his speech on counterterrorism, referencing the UN Security Council's condemnation of the Pahalgam attack and its call to hold accountable the perpetrators, organizers, financiers, and sponsors.

"India has done exactly that and will persist," Jaishankar affirmed. "The SCO was founded to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism—issues evidenced by the Pahalgam attack on April 22," he stated.

Jaishankar also reviewed India's SCO initiatives, from startups and innovation to traditional medicine and digital public infrastructure, signaling a positive stance toward genuinely beneficial proposals.

Addressing the current geopolitical environment, he highlighted disorder in the international system, marked by increased conflicts, competition, coercion, and economic instability. He urged a concerted effort to stabilize the global order and address longstanding issues impacting collective interests.

Emphasizing the SCO's potential impact on global affairs, Jaishankar noted its success relies on unified goals. "The world is shifting toward greater multi-polarity with groupings like SCO gaining significance," he said.

Jaishankar pressed the SCO to enhance development aid to Afghanistan, citing its importance for regional stability and Afghan well-being. India remains committed to this effort, he added.

The external affairs minister also highlighted the need for improved transit and connectivity between SCO states, vital for trade and investment advancements. He stressed resolving issues surrounding transit assurances and promoting the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), confident in its growing momentum.

The INSTC is a 7,200-km-long multi-modal transport project linking India, Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe. India continues to support this initiative.

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