October 16, 2024 India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, addressed the 23rd Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government in Islamabad Pakistan emphasizing the necessity of peace, stability, and genuine partnerships for sustainable development and growth. He highlighted the challenges posed by terrorism, extremism, and cross-border activities that threaten regional cooperation and progress.
Jaishankar underlined that cross-border activities characterized by terrorism and extremism hinder vital aspects of development, including trade, energy flows, and connectivity. He stated, “Our endeavours will progress only when our commitment to the Charter remains firm. It is axiomatic that development and growth require peace and stability. As the Charter spelt out, this means being firm and uncompromising in countering the ‘three evils.’”
His comments were aimed at urging SCO member states to strengthen their collective efforts against terrorism, extremism, and separatism, which he described as significant obstacles to the region’s prosperity. He added, “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.”
Call for UN Security Council Reform
In addition to addressing security concerns, Jaishankar called for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), advocating for greater representation of developing nations. He stressed that the SCO should push for a more inclusive and democratic Security Council, reflecting the current global realities.
“The need for reform in global governance structures like the UN Security Council is pressing,” Jaishankar stated, “and the SCO should champion this cause to ensure the voices of developing countries are heard and respected.”
India-Pakistan Relations and SCO Summit
This visit marks Jaishankar’s first trip to Pakistan in nearly nine years, a significant event given the tense relations between India and Pakistan, particularly over issues such as Kashmir and cross-border terrorism. His attendance at the SCO summit underscores India’s commitment to regional cooperation, even amidst ongoing geopolitical strains.
The two-day SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting, chaired by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is focusing on promoting economic cooperation among member states. Discussions center on trade, energy security, and other economic issues crucial to the region.
The SCO, founded in 2001 by Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, is a major intergovernmental organization aimed at fostering political, economic, and security cooperation. India’s participation continues to reinforce its strategic role in the region, while also pressing for global governance reforms in line with contemporary needs.
The summit comes as Pakistan holds the rotating chair of the SCO Council of Heads of Government for 2023-24, taking over from Kyrgyzstan after the last meeting held in Bishkek. Despite longstanding diplomatic tensions, the participation of Indian and Pakistani leaders in the SCO forum highlights the importance of multilateral engagement in addressing regional and global challenges.
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