Russia, Nov 18 — India on Tuesday stressed that the world must show “zero tolerance” for terrorism in any form, warning against justification, ignoring threats, or “whitewashing” violent acts.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered the remarks during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in Russia, highlighting India’s right to defend its citizens against terrorism.
“As India has demonstrated, we have the right to defend our people against terrorism, and will exercise it,” Jaishankar said.
He noted that the SCO, founded in 2001 by China, Russia, and Central Asian nations to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism, must evolve with changing global dynamics. “The SCO must adapt to the changing global landscape, develop an expanded agenda, and reform its working methods,” he said. “We will contribute positively and fully to these objectives.”
India and Pakistan became permanent members of the SCO in 2017, with Iran joining in July 2023 at an India-hosted virtual summit. Jaishankar stressed that threats from terrorism and extremism have intensified over the years and that the bloc must act decisively.
He also highlighted the global economic uncertainty, urging members to strengthen cultural and economic links. “Supply side risks have been aggravated by demand side complexities. There is consequently an urgent requirement to de-risk and diversify. This is best done by as many of us forging the widest possible economic links,” he said, adding that these efforts must be “fair, transparent, and equitable.”
