Jaishankar Stresses Terrorism and Territorial Integrity at SCO Meeting Amid India-Pakistan Tensions
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October 16, 2024: On Wednesday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Islamabad, marking a significant diplomatic event. This visit, the first by an Indian External Affairs Minister to Pakistan in nine years, comes amid long-standing tensions between India and Pakistan. In his speech, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of peace, territorial integrity, and mutual respect among SCO member states while highlighting the challenges posed by terrorism and extremism to regional cooperation.
Jaishankar underscored that terrorism and extremism, particularly when supported or tolerated across borders, hinder efforts to promote trade, energy flows, and connectivity. This statement is a veiled reference to India’s concerns about Pakistan’s alleged support for cross-border terrorism. He suggested that any form of cooperation would be difficult without addressing these security threats. “Cooperation must be based on mutual respect and sovereign equality. It should recognize territorial integrity and sovereignty. Cooperation must be built on genuine partnerships, not unilateral agendas. It cannot progress if we cherry-pick global practices,” he said.
Jaishankar called for a cooperative framework based on mutual respect, recognition of territorial integrity, and sovereign equality. This emphasis on respecting borders and sovereignty aligns with India’s stance on territorial disputes, particularly its issues with Pakistan over Kashmir and China over its borders. Jaishankar reiterated that cooperation should be free from unilateral agendas and selective adherence to global norms, suggesting that all SCO members must align with the organization’s Charter principles. “Our endeavours will progress only when our commitment to the SCO Charter remains firm. It is axiomatic that development and growth require peace and stability. Our collective endeavours can expand resources and encourage investment flows,” he said.
Jaishankar’s visit is historically significant as the first visit by an Indian External Affairs Minister to Pakistan since Sushma Swaraj’s trip for the ‘Heart of Asia’ conference in 2015. It reflects India’s readiness to engage in multilateral diplomacy, despite ongoing bilateral tensions with Pakistan. Jaishankar’s participation in the SCO meeting demonstrates India’s commitment to the multilateral platform even as it continues to address its security concerns.
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