Indian FM Jaishankar takes a jab at Pak, China at SCO: 'Terrorism...hardly likely to encourage connectivity'
Speaking of cooperation among SCO member states, Jaishankar stressed the importance of mutual respect and territorial integrity as foundational principles. Photograph:( X )
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"Cooperation must be based on mutual respect and sovereign equality. It should recognise territorial integrity and sovereignty. Cooperation must be built on genuine partnerships, not unilateral agendas. It cannot progress if we cherry-pick global practices," remarked Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar
"Cooperation must be based on mutual respect and sovereign equality. It should recognise territorial integrity and sovereignty. Cooperation must be built on genuine partnerships, not unilateral agendas. It cannot progress if we cherry-pick global practices," remarked Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar
Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Islamabad, took swipe at neighbours Pakistan and China. The Indian foreign minister said, "If activities across borders are characterised by terrorism, extremism and separatism, they are hardly likely to encourage trade, energy flows, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges in parallel."
Mutual respect
Speaking of cooperation among SCO member states, Jaishankar stressed the importance of mutual respect and territorial integrity as foundational principles.
Also read | Ahead of SCO Summit, Jaishankar’s visit to Pakistan includes possible dinner with PM Shehbaz Sharif: Report
"Cooperation must be based on mutual respect and sovereign equality. It should recognise territorial integrity and sovereignty. Cooperation must be built on genuine partnerships, not unilateral agendas. It cannot progress if we cherry-pick global practices," he remarked in an apparent dig at Pakistan and China.
Jaishankar highlighted that development and growth hinge on peace and stability, emphasising the need for a firm commitment to the SCO Charter.
"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. And as the Charter spelt out, this means being firm and uncompromising in countering the three evils'."
"Our collective endeavours can expand resources and encourage investment flows," he added.
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Delivered 🇮🇳’s national statement at the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting today morning in Islamabad.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 16, 2024
SCO needs to be able and adept at responding to challenges facing us in a turbulent world. In this context, highlighted that:
➡️ SCO’s primary goal of combatting… pic.twitter.com/oC2wHsWWHD
Momentous visit
This marks the first visit by an Indian External Affairs Minister to Pakistan in nine years. The previous visit was in December 2015, when Sushma Swaraj travelled to Islamabad for the 'Heart of Asia' conference on Afghanistan, accompanied by Jaishankar, who was then serving as India's foreign secretary.
(With inputs from agencies)
