External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s steadfast stand against terrorism, stating that there can be no justification, no overlooking, and no whitewashing of terror in any form. He asserted India’s sovereign right to defend its citizens from such threats.
Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in Moscow, Dr. Jaishankar called for a “zero tolerance” approach to terrorism. He reminded member states that the SCO was founded to combat the “three evils” of terrorism, separatism, and extremism, which have only become more serious over time.
Emphasising the need for concerted global action, the Minister said the international community must demonstrate zero tolerance towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. “As India has demonstrated, we have the right to defend our people against terrorism and will exercise it,” he said.
The remarks come amid growing concerns over the resurgence of terrorist activities. India has recently witnessed two major incidents—the April 22 attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region, which claimed 26 civilian lives, and the November 10 car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort that killed at least 15 people. The government has confirmed both as terror incidents.
Calling for a unified response to terrorism, Dr. Jaishankar urged the SCO to adapt to the evolving global landscape and strengthen its collective efforts. He also underlined the need for modernisation and reform within the organisation, advocating greater flexibility, fresh perspectives, and the long-pending decision to include English as an official language alongside Russian and Chinese.
Highlighting India’s proactive role in fostering innovation and cooperation, the Minister cited initiatives such as the SCO Special Working Group on Startups and Innovation and the SCO Startup Forum. These platforms, he said, are designed to nurture creativity and entrepreneurship among youth across member states.
Dr. Jaishankar concluded by reiterating that the SCO must continue to evolve, expand its agenda, and reform its working mechanisms. He assured that India will contribute positively and fully to achieving these objectives.
The 24th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government was held in Moscow on November 17 and 18, with participation from member states including India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus. India has been a full member of the SCO since 2017 and continues to actively contribute to the organisation’s growth and cooperation agenda.