SCO must counter terrorism, extremism, respect territorial sovereignty: EAM Jaishankar at Islamabad

Islamabad/New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday stressed that cooperation within the SCO grouping can progress only when it is based on mutual respect and sovereign equality, and is firm and uncompromising in countering the ‘three evils’ of terrorism, extremism and separatism.

Addressing the SCO Heads of Government summit in Islamabad, a day after Pakistan and China issued a joint statement in which Kashmir was mentioned, the EAM said that the endeavours of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation will progress if the members are firm and uncompromising in countering the ‘three evils’ of terrorism, separatism and extremism.

“If activities across borders are characterized by terrorism, extremism and separatism, they are hardly likely to encourage trade, energy flows, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges in parallel”, in reference to the cross-border terrorism being perpetrated by Pakistan in India.

Outlining the goals and tasks of the SCO, the EAM said: ”The objective is to strengthen mutual trust, friendship and good neighbourliness. It is to develop multi-faceted cooperation, especially of a regional nature. It is to be a positive force in terms of balanced growth, integration and conflict prevention. The Charter was equally clear what the key challenges were. And these were primarily three, that the SCO was committed to combatting: one, terrorism; two, separatism; and three, extremism.”

In an oblique reference to the souring of bilateral relations between India and Pakistan, the EAM said that goals and tasks outlined in the charter are even more crucial. “It is, therefore, essential that we have an honest conversation. If trust is lacking or cooperation inadequate, if friendship has fallen short and good neighbourliness is missing somewhere, there are surely reasons to introspect and causes to address. Equally, it is only when we reaffirm our commitment most sincerely to the Charter that we can fully realize the benefits of cooperation and integration that it envisages.”

He said with the world moving towards multi-polarity and with globalization and rebalancing these have created many new opportunities in terms of trade, investment, connectivity, energy flows and other forms of collaboration. “There is no question that our region would benefit immensely if we take this forward… However, to do that, cooperation must be based on mutual respect and sovereign equality. It should recognize territorial integrity and sovereignty. It must be built on genuine partnerships, not unilateral agendas. It cannot progress if we cherry-pick global practices, especially of trade and transit”—in reference to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor which runs through Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

He said if the three evils are countered then the bloc stands to gain, through industrial cooperation, MSME collaboration, investment flows, business communities will profit through larger networks, Collaborative connectivity, mutually beneficial exchanges in environmental protection and climate action, accessible and affordable pharmaceutical capabilities. “Whether it is health, food or energy security, we are all clearly better off working together. Indeed, even culture, education and sports are promising areas. In effect, there is so much that we can do once we are truly determined to promote that synergy,” he said.

EAM said India’s own global initiatives and national endeavours are strongly relevant for the SCO, and mentioned the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Mission LiFE, Practicing Yoga and promoting millets, the Global Biofuel Alliance, The International Big Cat Alliance, digital public infrastructure, and women-led development.

He also spoke of the need for reform of the global institutions. “Comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council, both in the permanent and non-permanent categories, is essential”, and added that the SCO must be “in the lead of advocating such change, not hold back on a matter of such importance”.

EAM Jaishankar said that the it is imperative for the SCO to renew their resolve to attain the objectives of the grouping. “That means recognizing the current constraints on our cooperation and focusing on the pathway forward. It can surely happen when we develop and implement an agenda that is firmly based on an agreed mutuality of interests. To do that, it is equally essential that we abide by the do’s and don’ts so clearly articulated by the Charter. After all, the SCO represents the forces of change on whom much of the world puts such great store. Let us live up to that responsibility.”

In a post on X, the EAM highlighted his address:

“Delivered India’s national statement at the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting today morning in Islamabad. SCO needs to be able and adept at responding to challenges facing us in a turbulent world. In this context, highlighted that:

*SCO’s primary goal of combatting terrorism, separatism and extremism is even more crucial in current times. It requires honest conversation, trust, good neighborliness and reaffirming commitment to SCO Charter. SCO needs to be firm and uncompromising in countering the ‘three evils’.

*Globalization and rebalancing are current day realities. There’s need for SCO countries to take this forward.

*Cooperation must be based on mutual respect and sovereign equality, recognize territorial integrity and sovereignty and be built on genuine partnerships, not unilateral agendas. SCO cannot progress if we cherry-pick global practices, especially of trade and transit.

*Industrial cooperation can enhance competitiveness and expand labour markets. MSME collaboration, collaborative connectivity, environmental protection and climate action are possible avenues. Whether it is health, food or energy security, we are clearly better off working together.

*Indian initiatives and endeavors like DPI, women-led development, ISA, CDRI, Mission LiFE, GBA, Yoga, Millets, International Big Cat Alliance etc. hold strong relevance for the SCO.

*SCO should lead advocating that global institutions need to keep pace through reformed multilateralism to make UNSC more representative, inclusive, transparent, efficient, effective, democratic and accountable. To renew our resolve to attain the objectives of the SCO, it is essential that we keep in mind mutuality of interests and abide by the do’s and don’ts of the Charter. SCO represents the forces of change on whom much of the world puts great store. Let us live up to that responsibility."