SCO shouldn’t compromise on terrorism: Jaishankar

By Admin

16 Jul, 2025

In a compelling address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers (SCO-CFM) meeting in Tianjin, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar made it unequivocally clear that the SCO must adopt an uncompromising stance on terrorism. His remarks came against the backdrop of the horrific Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, which left 26 people dead, most of them tourists. Jaishankar emphasized that the attack was a calculated move to damage the region’s tourism-based economy and “sow a religious divide.”

A Call for Unity Against the “Three Evils”

Reiterating the founding principles of the SCO   the fight against terrorism, separatism, and extremism   Jaishankar called on member states to remember why the organization was formed in the first place. Addressing ministers from Russia, Iran, Belarus, Central Asian states, and notably Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, he urged collective action to bring the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack to justice.

“This act of terrorism wasn’t just an attack on innocent lives   it was an assault on economic development and social harmony,” Jaishankar stressed. He also referenced the United Nations Security Council’s condemnation of the attack, further highlighting its global implications.

Diplomatic Engagement and Strategic Talks

Before the official proceedings, Jaishankar and other foreign ministers met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on July 15, 2025. The Indian minister also held bilateral discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi   reinforcing strategic partnerships within the SCO framework.

Jaishankar’s engagements come amid sensitive geopolitical tensions and a month after the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting failed to release a joint statement due to differing stances on terrorism. Although the Foreign Ministers’ meeting also did not produce a statement   a norm at this stage   it played a critical role in shaping the agenda for the upcoming SCO Summit, scheduled for August 31–September 1, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the summit in Tianjin, marking his first visit since the Galwan Valley conflict in 2020.

The China Connection and Regional Stability

In his meeting with President Xi and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Jaishankar discussed the “continued normalisation” of India-China relations. Emphasizing the role of stable bilateral ties, Jaishankar noted the value of guidance from national leaders, including Prime Minister Modi and President Xi.

Chinese state media quoted President Xi urging the SCO to adopt a “more proactive role” in stabilizing a turbulent world, particularly as global economic shifts   such as potential U.S. tariffs on Russian oil   loom large.

Tensions with Pakistan and the Question of Afghanistan

While Jaishankar delivered a firm message on terrorism, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar avoided addressing the issue altogether. Instead, Mr. Dar focused on “international law” and “longstanding disputes”   a familiar diplomatic position   and called for peace with all neighbors.

Jaishankar also touched on Afghanistan, criticizing Pakistan for obstructing India-Afghanistan trade routes and highlighting how such actions contradict the SCO’s economic cooperation goals. He reaffirmed India’s support for Afghan development and stressed the importance of reliable transit infrastructure, advocating for the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) via Iran.

Conclusion: No Space for Terrorism in Regional Cooperation

Jaishankar’s firm stance reflects India’s growing frustration with double standards on terrorism within regional alliances. As the SCO prepares for its upcoming summit, the challenge lies in translating its founding principles into unified action. India has made it clear: peace, stability, and progress in the region depend on collective resolve against terrorism   without compromise.