During the 23rd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government in Islamabad, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made pointed remarks regarding the necessity of cooperation based on mutual respect and sovereign equality. His comments were made in the presence of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
Jaishankar emphasized the importance of introspection in international relations, stating, “If trust is lacking or cooperation inadequate, there are surely reasons to reflect and address.” He outlined the key challenges that the SCO is committed to tackling: terrorism, separatism, and extremism.
Congratulating Pakistan on its SCO Presidency this year, Jaishankar assured that India supports its successful leadership. He acknowledged the current geopolitical challenges, mentioning ongoing global conflicts, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and pressing issues like climate change and economic instability. “We meet at a difficult time in world affairs,” he said, urging SCO members to focus on collaborative efforts to address these challenges.
Highlighting the objectives laid out in the SCO Charter, Jaishankar urged participants to strengthen mutual trust, friendship, and cooperation, particularly in regional contexts. He reiterated that genuine partnerships must respect territorial integrity and sovereignty, warning against unilateral agendas that undermine collective goals.
Jaishankar’s remarks seemed to reference the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which India claims infringes on its territorial sovereignty. He asserted that development and growth require a firm commitment to countering terrorism, extremism, and separatism.
He also discussed the potential benefits of enhanced regional cooperation, from industrial collaboration to climate action, and emphasized that united efforts could lead to greater trade and investment opportunities.
In addition, Jaishankar shared India’s initiatives that align with the SCO’s objectives, such as the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. He called for reformed multilateralism and changes to the United Nations Security Council to ensure better representation of developing countries.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who opened the session, echoed the need for prioritizing collaboration over political divisions, urging SCO members to work together to ensure the organization remains a source of stability and development for all its member nations.
Jaishankar’s visit marks the first by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly nine years, reflecting ongoing diplomatic efforts within the region.
