S Jaishankar: India Will Defend Its People Against Terrorism

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s firm stance against terrorism during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in Moscow on Tuesday.

He called for global zero tolerance toward terrorism and warned against any attempt to justify or whitewash violent acts.

Jaishankar reminded member states that the SCO was created to counter terrorism, separatism, and extremism.

He said these threats have only grown stronger over the years. “The world must display zero tolerance towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

There can be no justification, no looking away, and no whitewashing,” he said.

Jaishankar said India has the right to defend its people against terrorism and will exercise that right whenever necessary.

India Pushes Zero Tolerance

The SCO Council of Heads of Government is the organisation’s second-most important decision-making body.

It meets annually to discuss major trade and economic issues and to finalise the SCO budget. The previous CHG meeting took place in Pakistan in October 2024.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also highlighted the importance of cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

He said India, as a civilisational state, values deeper engagement among intellectuals, artists, sportspersons, and cultural figures across SCO countries.

Jaishankar pointed to India’s growing record of cultural collaboration and mentioned the exposition of sacred Buddhist relics in several SCO nations.

He also offered India’s expertise in heritage conservation for humanitarian cooperation in Central Asia.

Jaishankar expressed India’s support for a reform-oriented SCO and welcomed initiatives addressing organised crime, drug trafficking, and cybersecurity.

He said the organisation must become more flexible as it expands. He urged member states to prioritise the long-pending decision to adopt English as an official SCO language.

On economic issues, Jaishankar described the global environment as volatile and uncertain.

He said supply-side risks have increased, and demand-side pressures have added complexity.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stressed the need for countries to derisk and diversify their economic engagements.

He added that forging wide-ranging economic partnerships is crucial and must be based on fairness and transparency.

Jaishankar noted that India’s ongoing efforts to conclude free trade agreements with several SCO members reflect this approach.

He concluded by calling for collective action and deeper cooperation within the SCO framework.

Also Read: UN Chief Opposes Death Penalty For Sheikh Hasina; Raises Concerns Over Trial Standards