
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.