Tianjin, July 16, 2025 —
At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting held in Tianjin, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar delivered a strong and clear message emphasizing unity against terrorism, commitment to regional development, and respect for sovereignty among member states.
Speaking amid ongoing global disruptions, Dr. Jaishankar noted, “We meet at a time of considerable disorder in the international system. In the last few years, we have seen more conflicts, competition, and coercion. Economic instability is visibly on the rise.” He called upon the SCO to help stabilize the global order and collectively tackle shared challenges.
Strong Words on Terrorism
Dr. Jaishankar reminded member states of the SCO’s core mission to fight the “three evils”: terrorism, separatism, and extremism. He cited the April 22, 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which he said was intended to damage the region’s tourism economy and incite religious division. He praised the UN Security Council’s condemnation of the attack and noted that India has since taken firm steps to bring those responsible to justice.
“It is imperative that the SCO, to remain true to its founding objectives, take an uncompromising position on this challenge,” Dr. Jaishankar asserted.
Emphasis on Respect and Cooperation
Dr. Jaishankar highlighted India’s initiatives in the SCO space, including contributions in startup ecosystems, traditional medicine, and digital public infrastructure. He expressed India’s openness to new proposals that serve collective interests but stressed that cooperation must rest on mutual respect, sovereign equality, and respect for territorial integrity.
Enhancing Economic Integration
The Indian minister pointed out a major barrier to greater intra-SCO trade and investment: the lack of assured transit across member territories. “Its absence undermines the seriousness of advocating cooperation in economic areas,” he said, while also championing the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) as a strategic avenue for connectivity that is gaining momentum.
Continued Support for Afghanistan
Dr. Jaishankar emphasized that Afghanistan remains a critical issue on the SCO agenda, not only for regional stability but for humanitarian concern. He urged fellow SCO members to enhance development assistance, reaffirming India’s commitment to supporting the Afghan people.
Toward a Multipolar World
In closing, Dr. Jaishankar noted the global shift toward greater multipolarity, stating that the growing importance of groupings like the SCO reflects this transformation. He urged unity and inclusivity, saying, “Our ability to contribute to the shaping of world affairs will naturally depend on how well we come together on a shared agenda. That means taking everybody on board.”
The Tianjin meeting marked a pivotal moment for SCO diplomacy, as the bloc seeks to address regional challenges while asserting itself as a stabilizing force in an increasingly fragmented international order.
Let me know if you’d like this translated into Bengali or tailored for a specific media outlet.
