Take firm stand against terrorism: Dr. Jaishankar to SCO

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New Delhi, October 15

External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, on Wednesday called for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to reinforce its efforts in addressing global challenges, particularly by taking a strong stance against terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Speaking at the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad, Jaishankar underscored the importance of the organization’s commitment to tackling these “three evils.” He advocated for open dialogue, trust, good neighborly relations, and strict adherence to the SCO Charter, stressing that the success of the SCO depends on mutual respect and collaborative efforts.

Addressing globalization and geopolitical shifts, Dr. Jaishankar called for deeper collaboration among SCO countries. He emphasised that cooperation must be rooted in sovereign equality and territorial integrity, warning against selectively adopting global practices, particularly in trade and transit, which could hinder progress.

Jaishankar also advocated for industrial cooperation to boost competitiveness and expand labor markets, highlighting opportunities in MSMEs, connectivity, environmental protection, and climate action. He underscored that collective action is crucial for addressing health, food, and energy security challenges.

India’s key initiatives, such as Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), women-led development, and international programs like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Mission LiFE, were also presented as valuable contributions to the SCO’s objectives.

On the global stage, Dr. Jaishankar urged the SCO to champion reformed multilateralism and push for a more inclusive and accountable United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

He concluded by reaffirming India’s commitment to the SCO Charter and emphasized the need for member states to focus on mutual interests. He called on the SCO to live up to its responsibility as a force for global change.