EAM Jaishankar Urges SCO to Take Uncompromising Stand Against Terrorism, Cites Pahalgam Attack
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Tianjin, China | July 15, 2025 - India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a strong message to member nations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) during the Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting held in Tianjin, China, on Tuesday. Emphasizing the group’s foundational principles, Jaishankar called on SCO to take an uncompromising stance against terrorism, separatism, and extremism—the very “three evils” the bloc was created to fight.
April 22 Pahalgam Attack: A Grim Reminder
In a significant portion of his speech, Jaishankar referred to the dastardly terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, calling it a “graphic example” of how terrorism aims to disrupt both communal harmony and economic stability.
“It was deliberately conducted to undermine the tourism economy of Jammu and Kashmir, while sowing a religious divide,” he said.
He noted that the UN Security Council had condemned the incident in the strongest terms and stressed the need to bring perpetrators to justice. “We have since done exactly that and will continue doing so,” Jaishankar affirmed.
Message to Pakistan Amid Rising Tensions
Present in the room was Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. While Jaishankar refrained from naming any country directly, his firm tone and emphasis on accountability appeared to be a pointed reminder of India’s zero-tolerance policy on cross-border terrorism.
“To remain true to its founding objectives, the SCO must take an uncompromising position on terrorism,” he reiterated.
Addressing Global Disorder and Regional Instability
Jaishankar remarked that the meeting comes at a time when the global order faces disorder, coercion, and instability. “The challenge before us is to stabilize the global order, de-risk various dimensions, and through it all, address long-standing issues that threaten our collective interests,” he said.
India’s Contributions to SCO’s Evolving Agenda
Highlighting India’s leadership within the SCO, the External Affairs Minister spoke of initiatives India has championed, including:
- Start-up innovation
- Traditional medicine
- Digital public infrastructure
India, he said, remains open to “new ideas and proposals that are genuinely for our collective good,” but stressed that all cooperation must be rooted in mutual respect, sovereign equality, and territorial integrity.
Pushing for Economic Integration and Connectivity
EAM Jaishankar pressed for greater intra-SCO trade and investment, but warned that this ambition would be undermined if logistical challenges—like the lack of assured transit within SCO nations—are not addressed.
“Its absence undermines the seriousness of advocating cooperation in economic areas,” he said.
He also promoted the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), expressing confidence in its growing momentum.
Reaffirming Support for Afghanistan
Turning his attention to Afghanistan, Jaishankar reminded SCO members of their shared responsibility for the region's stability. India, he reiterated, remains committed to the well-being of the Afghan people and called on member nations to step up with development assistance.
“India, for its part, will certainly do so,” he promised.
Multipolar World and the Role of SCO
As the world moves steadily toward greater multipolarity, Jaishankar underscored the growing importance of regional groupings like the SCO in shaping global affairs.
“Our ability to contribute will depend on how well we come together on a shared agenda,” he concluded.
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar’s powerful address is not just a reflection of India’s growing assertiveness on the global stage—it’s a reminder that international alliances like the SCO must go beyond statements and act decisively on terrorism and regional instability. As India positions itself as both a regional stabilizer and global voice, the world will be watching whether its calls for accountability translate into real collective action.