External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers in Tianjin, urging member states to take an unequivocal stance against terrorism and deepen cooperation grounded in mutual respect and sovereign equality.
Speaking at a time of global turmoil, Jaishankar acknowledged the growing instability in international affairs, noting the rise in conflicts, coercive politics, and economic uncertainty. “We meet at a time of considerable disorder in the international system,” he said. “The challenge before us is to stabilize the global order and address longstanding threats to our collective interests.”
In a strongly worded message, Jaishankar drew attention to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, calling it a direct attempt to undermine India’s tourism sector and sow communal discord. “It was deliberately conducted to undermine the tourism economy of Jammu and Kashmir, while sowing a religious divide,” he noted, emphasizing that the perpetrators have been held accountable and warning that the SCO must not waver in its commitment to fight terrorism, separatism, and extremism — the three foundational evils identified by the grouping.
“The SCO must take an uncompromising position on terrorism to stay true to its founding objectives,” he asserted, adding that the UN Security Council had already condemned the Pahalgam attack in strong terms and underscored the need for justice.
Jaishankar also highlighted India’s constructive contributions within the SCO, including initiatives in startups, traditional medicine, and digital public infrastructure. He reaffirmed India’s openness to innovative proposals that serve the collective good of the member states. However, he emphasized that cooperation must be underpinned by mutual respect, sovereign equality, and territorial integrity.
Pointing to obstacles in economic collaboration, Jaishankar flagged the lack of assured transit routes across the SCO region as a major hurdle. “The absence of reliable transit corridors undermines the seriousness of economic cooperation,” he stated, while advocating for the advancement of the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) to boost regional connectivity.
On Afghanistan, Jaishankar reiterated India’s continued commitment to humanitarian and development assistance, stressing that regional stability must be matched by tangible support for the Afghan people. He called upon SCO members to intensify their engagement on this front.
Concluding his address, the Indian minister said that as the world moves toward greater multipolarity, platforms like the SCO must rise to the occasion by aligning behind a shared agenda. “Our ability to shape world affairs depends on how well we come together. That means taking everyone on board,” he said.
The SCO, which brings together key Eurasian powers, is seen as an increasingly important bloc in a shifting global landscape. India’s emphasis at this year’s meeting signals a push for not only security cooperation but also practical connectivity and equitable development across the region.
