Indian FM flags concerns over terrorism, extremism at SCO meet in Pakistan

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar emphasised the need for territorial integrity and cooperation based on mutual respect, in his remarks at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Pakistan on Wednesday.

In the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan since Sushma Swaraj's 2015 tour, Jaishankar called terrorism, extremism and separatism "three evils". He added that cooperation between countries is built on genuine partnerships, not unilateral agendas.

Jaishankar mentioned the Israel-Hamas-Hezbollah and Russia-Ukraine conflicts, along with the Covid pandemic, to state that the summit comes at a "difficult time in world affairs". "Disruptions of various kinds – ranging from extreme climate events to supply chain uncertainties and financial volatility – impact growth and development. Debt is a serious concern, even as the world falls behind in achieving Sustainable Development targets. Technology holds great promise, as well as raising a new host of concerns. How should the members of the SCO respond to these challenges?" he said.

The EAM also stressed the need for multi-faceted regional cooperation, to drive growth and conflict prevention. "Activities across borders characterised by terrorism and extremism are unlikely to encourage trade, energy flows, connectivity," Jaishankar said.

Jaishankar arrived on Tuesday for his two-day Pakistan visit at Rawalpindi's Nur Khan Airbase, where he was welcomed by Ilyas Mehmood Nizami, Director General (South Asia) of Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Children dressed in traditional attire presented him with flower bouquets. Later, he had a brief interaction with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today at an official dinner held for all the summit attendees.

The two-day meeting of SCO CHG, the second highest forum within the SCO, is being chaired by Pakistan's Prime Minister Sharif as the current chair of the Council. The meeting's focus is on the trade and economic agenda of the organisation.