External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to adopt an uncompromising stance against terrorism, separatism and extremism. Addressing the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting in Tianjin, China, Jaishankar highlighted the April terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, as a vivid example of these “three evils” that the SCO was originally established to combat.
Speaking in the presence of Pakistan’s foreign minister Ishaq Dar, Jaishankar accused the perpetrators of attempting to sabotage Kashmir’s tourism economy and ignite religious tensions. He urged the SCO to reaffirm its founding mission by taking firm action against such threats, stressing that regional security cannot be safeguarded without accountability.
He pointed out that the United Nations Security Council had already condemned the Pahalgam attack and underlined the need to hold its perpetrators and sponsors accountable. Referring to India’s swift retaliation through Operation Sindoor on May 7, Jaishankar asserted that New Delhi had acted decisively and would continue to do so.
His remarks came amid concerns in India over China’s perceived support for Pakistan during recent hostilities. India has previously criticized China for blocking efforts to sanction Pakistan-based terrorists at the UN Security Council.
Jaishankar also warned of a rising tide of global disorder, marked by intensifying conflicts, economic volatility and coercive diplomacy. He called on SCO members to help stabilize the international system and de-risk key sectors while tackling long-standing threats that jeopardize shared interests.
Turning to Afghanistan, Jaishankar reminded the forum that the country’s stability was essential for regional peace. He urged SCO nations to provide more development assistance to the Afghan people, reaffirming India’s own commitment to humanitarian support.
The minister also emphasized India’s leadership within the SCO on initiatives such as start-up promotion, digital public infrastructure and innovation. However, he stressed that cooperation must be based on mutual respect, sovereignty and territorial integrity—a likely reference to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which includes projects in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Highlighting gaps in regional connectivity, Jaishankar pointed out the lack of assured transit within the SCO space. He said this issue hinders serious progress in economic collaboration and reiterated India’s call to promote the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC), linking India with Central Asia, Russia and Europe via Iran.
Jaishankar concluded his remarks by underscoring the SCO’s role in shaping global affairs. He said its credibility depends on inclusivity, a shared agenda and the willingness of member states to act together with integrity and resolve. As the world shifts toward multipolarity, he added, regional groupings like the SCO must lead with purpose and unity.
