“Terrorism and trade cannot go hand-in-hand,” External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar remarked during his powerful address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad, Pakistan, on October 16. As the first Indian External Affairs Minister to visit Pakistan in nine years, Jaishankar made his stance crystal clear: peace and stability are essential for regional growth, and terrorism must be uncompromisingly countered.
Key Points from Jaishankar’s Address
Jaishankar emphasized the need for the SCO to remain committed to its charter and respond effectively to global challenges. He highlighted disruptions like global conflicts, climate change, and supply chain uncertainties, urging SCO members to reflect on the organization’s core goals of mutual trust, regional cooperation, and conflict prevention. He also warned that cross-border terrorism and extremism hinder the very principles the SCO stands for—development, trade, and connectivity.
Industrial Cooperation and Global Rebalancing
Jaishankar also stressed the importance of industrial collaboration among SCO nations, citing the positive impact on competitiveness, job creation, and investment. “The world is moving towards multipolarity, and globalization is a reality,” he noted, adding that cooperation could bring immense benefits to the region.
Historic Visit and Diplomatic Exchanges
This visit marked Jaishankar’s first to Pakistan since 2015 and followed a high-profile exchange last year when Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari attended an SCO meeting in India. Upon landing in Islamabad, Jaishankar was greeted with a warm ceremonial welcome, complete with children in traditional dress offering bouquets and a red-carpet reception. His brief handshake and conversation with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the dinner further highlighted the significance of this diplomatic engagement.
Jaishankar’s trip comes amidst strained India-Pakistan relations, especially since the 2019 Pulwama attacks and India’s revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite these tensions, Jaishankar’s visit underscores India’s continued commitment to fostering regional cooperation, albeit with a clear message—peace cannot coexist with terrorism.
