At the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting in Tianjin, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar underscored the urgency of combating terrorism. He cited the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India, as a clear example, an attack also condemned by the UN Security Council. Jaishankar outlined terrorism, separatism, and extremism as interrelated problems. He stated the Pahalgam attack was designed to harm the tourism economy of Jammu and Kashmir and provoke religious division. He emphasized the importance of the SCO taking a firm stance against terrorism to remain true to its goals, highlighting India’s commitment to justice. Jaishankar stressed the need for SCO members to cooperate to stabilize the global order, mitigating risks amid rising global conflicts, competition, and economic instability. He noted India’s initiatives in several fields like startup innovation, traditional medicine, and digital public infrastructure. He underscored the need to tackle problems such as the lack of assured transit within the SCO space and to promote the INSTC. He also emphasized the requirement for development aid to Afghanistan, provided by the international community. Jaishankar highlighted the movement toward a multi-polar world and the vital role of groups like the SCO in shaping world affairs. He also engaged in high-level meetings, including discussions with Russian and Iranian counterparts.
