
‘If Trust Is Lacking…’: In Pakistan, Jaishankar’s Powerful SCO Speech Calls Out Cross-Border Terrorism
India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, delivered a powerful speech during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Pakistan, taking a strong stance against cross-border terrorism. In his address, Jaishankar made it clear that without mutual trust and respect for each nation’s sovereignty, regional cooperation would remain a distant dream. His remarks were seen as a veiled reference to Pakistan, which India has long accused of harbouring terror groups operating across the border.
Jaishankar’s speech touched upon the need for collective action against terrorism, an issue that has plagued South Asia for decades. “If trust is lacking, if sovereignty and territorial integrity are not respected, there can be no meaningful cooperation,” he stated, highlighting the need for regional stability. He emphasized that terrorism is a global threat and called upon all member states to act decisively to dismantle terror networks and prevent their financing.
His speech comes at a time of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, following multiple incidents at the border. Despite participating in the summit, India has remained firm in its stance, urging the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for its alleged role in supporting terror activities.
Jaishankar’s address has garnered widespread attention, with many analysts praising his firm diplomatic tone while advocating for peace. The speech reinforced India’s commitment to addressing terrorism not just as a bilateral issue but as a regional and global concern within the SCO framework.
MUDA Chairperson Quits Amid Land Row Involving CM Siddaramaiah, Cites Health Reasons
In a sudden move, the chairperson of the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), H.V. Rajeev, resigned from his post amid a contentious land row involving Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Citing health reasons, Rajeev announced his decision, but political insiders suggest that the controversy surrounding a major land deal involving MUDA and alleged connections to the chief minister’s office may have played a role in his departure.
The land issue came to the fore when opposition leaders accused MUDA of irregularities in a land allocation project, with some alleging that it had benefitted close associates of Siddaramaiah. The accusations sparked a political storm, leading to increased scrutiny of the development authority’s dealings. Although Rajeev denied any wrongdoing, his resignation has fueled speculation that the pressure from the ongoing controversy became too overwhelming to continue in his role.
Siddaramaiah has not directly commented on the resignation, but sources close to the chief minister’s office suggest that he is distancing himself from the affair. The opposition parties, however, have pounced on the opportunity to criticise the government, calling for a full investigation into the land deal.
Rajeev’s resignation adds another twist to an already complicated political saga. While he maintains that health concerns prompted his decision, the timing of the exit amidst the land row has raised eyebrows across Karnataka’s political landscape.