India’s Jaishankar Stresses the Importance of United Action Against Terrorism at SCO Summit

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At the 2024 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Kazakhstan, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar delivered a powerful speech on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, taking a veiled swipe at China and Pakistan while calling for united action against terrorism and climate change.

Jaishankar highlighted India’s concerns over the need for decisive action against terrorism, a clear reference to Pakistan’s reluctance to crack down on terrorist groups operating from their soil. He emphasized the importance of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity for connectivity and infrastructure projects, as well as non-discriminatory trade rights and transit regimes.

During the summit, Jaishankar addressed the issue of climate change, underscoring the need for a committed reduction in emissions, adoption of alternate fuels, and building climate-resilient infrastructure. He mentioned the approval of a Joint Statement on emerging fuels and a Concept Paper on de-carbonization in the transportation sector during India’s SCO presidency.

Furthermore, Jaishankar’s statement regarding the threat of terrorism becoming more serious, with Pakistan being seen as the epicentre of terrorism, resonated with the international community. He urged Pakistan to clean up its act and be a good neighbor, emphasizing that the world is increasingly calling out countries and organizations involved in terrorism.

In his speech, Jaishankar also indirectly referenced the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passing through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), highlighting India’s concerns over the project’s impact on sovereignty and territorial integrity. The minister’s call for united action against terrorism and climate change reflects India’s commitment to addressing crucial global challenges.

Overall, Jaishankar’s presence at the SCO Summit underscored India’s stance on key issues affecting regional and global stability. His emphasis on cooperation, respect for sovereignty, and decisive action against terrorism resonated with the summit’s agenda, showcasing India’s proactive role in addressing pressing global concerns.