At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conclave in Islamabad, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the urgent need for introspection regarding regional cooperation, particularly in the context of terrorism. His address, delivered in front of a gathering that included Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, underscored the complex dynamics influencing India’s relations with both China and Pakistan.
Jaishankar stated, “If friendship has fallen short and good neighbourliness is missing somewhere, there are surely reasons to introspect and causes to address,” indicating the need for a candid dialogue about the existing tensions.
Strained Ties and Regional Challenges
Jaishankar's comments come amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, largely due to ongoing issues related to cross-border terrorism. His remarks were viewed as a thinly veiled reference to these concerns, particularly when he noted that “if activities across borders are characterised by terrorism, extremism and separatism, they are hardly likely to encourage trade, energy flows, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges in parallel.” These statements reflect India's longstanding apprehensions regarding Pakistan's role in fostering terrorism, which he argues undermines regional trade initiatives.
The Call for Sovereignty and Trust
The External Affairs Minister stressed the importance of recognizing territorial integrity and sovereignty in trade and connectivity initiatives. He emphasized the necessity of engaging in “honest conversation” about the lack of trust in regional relations. Jaishankar pointed out that cooperation must be founded on mutual respect and sovereign equality, adding, “It should recognise territorial integrity and sovereignty. It must be built on genuine partnerships, not unilateral agendas.” This remark, interpreted as a critique of China's assertive behavior, reflects India's critical stance on the Belt and Road Initiative, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Key Takeaways and Future Directions
Before departing Islamabad, Jaishankar took to social media platform 'X' to express gratitude to PM Sharif and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for their hospitality. He stated, “Departing from Islamabad. Thank PM @CMShehbaz, DPM & FM @MIshaqDar50 and the Government of Pakistan for the hospitality and courtesies.” His warm acknowledgment was seen as a positive gesture amidst the backdrop of strained bilateral ties.
During his address, Jaishankar highlighted the SCO’s foundational goal of strengthening mutual trust, friendship, and good neighbourliness. He stated, “It is to develop multifaceted cooperation, especially of a regional nature. It is to be a positive force in terms of balanced growth, integration and conflict prevention.” He reinforced that the SCO's efforts will only be effective if member nations reaffirm their commitment to the charter, which focuses on combating the “three evils” of terrorism, separatism, and extremism.
Addressing Global Issues
Jaishankar also discussed broader global challenges impacting growth and stability. He stated, “We meet at a difficult time in world affairs. Two major conflicts are underway, each with its own global repercussions. The Covid pandemic has left many in the developing world deeply devastated.” He stressed the need for global institutions to adapt to emerging challenges, advocating for “reformed multilateralism” and calling for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council to make it more inclusive and efficient.
As he wrapped up his remarks, Jaishankar listed eight key takeaways for future collaboration, including the need to uphold fair and balanced connectivity projects and to emphasize transparent, non-discriminatory trading systems with the WTO at its core.
He urged the SCO to take a proactive role in advocating for essential changes in global governance, stating, “The SCO must be in the lead of advocating such change, not hold back on a matter of such importance.” Through this address, Jaishankar aimed to foster a cooperative atmosphere that prioritizes stability, mutual respect, and comprehensive reform in both regional and global contexts.
Jaishankar stated, “If friendship has fallen short and good neighbourliness is missing somewhere, there are surely reasons to introspect and causes to address,” indicating the need for a candid dialogue about the existing tensions.
Strained Ties and Regional Challenges
Jaishankar's comments come amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, largely due to ongoing issues related to cross-border terrorism. His remarks were viewed as a thinly veiled reference to these concerns, particularly when he noted that “if activities across borders are characterised by terrorism, extremism and separatism, they are hardly likely to encourage trade, energy flows, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges in parallel.” These statements reflect India's longstanding apprehensions regarding Pakistan's role in fostering terrorism, which he argues undermines regional trade initiatives.
The Call for Sovereignty and Trust
The External Affairs Minister stressed the importance of recognizing territorial integrity and sovereignty in trade and connectivity initiatives. He emphasized the necessity of engaging in “honest conversation” about the lack of trust in regional relations. Jaishankar pointed out that cooperation must be founded on mutual respect and sovereign equality, adding, “It should recognise territorial integrity and sovereignty. It must be built on genuine partnerships, not unilateral agendas.” This remark, interpreted as a critique of China's assertive behavior, reflects India's critical stance on the Belt and Road Initiative, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Key Takeaways and Future Directions
Before departing Islamabad, Jaishankar took to social media platform 'X' to express gratitude to PM Sharif and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for their hospitality. He stated, “Departing from Islamabad. Thank PM @CMShehbaz, DPM & FM @MIshaqDar50 and the Government of Pakistan for the hospitality and courtesies.” His warm acknowledgment was seen as a positive gesture amidst the backdrop of strained bilateral ties.
During his address, Jaishankar highlighted the SCO’s foundational goal of strengthening mutual trust, friendship, and good neighbourliness. He stated, “It is to develop multifaceted cooperation, especially of a regional nature. It is to be a positive force in terms of balanced growth, integration and conflict prevention.” He reinforced that the SCO's efforts will only be effective if member nations reaffirm their commitment to the charter, which focuses on combating the “three evils” of terrorism, separatism, and extremism.
Addressing Global Issues
Jaishankar also discussed broader global challenges impacting growth and stability. He stated, “We meet at a difficult time in world affairs. Two major conflicts are underway, each with its own global repercussions. The Covid pandemic has left many in the developing world deeply devastated.” He stressed the need for global institutions to adapt to emerging challenges, advocating for “reformed multilateralism” and calling for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council to make it more inclusive and efficient.
As he wrapped up his remarks, Jaishankar listed eight key takeaways for future collaboration, including the need to uphold fair and balanced connectivity projects and to emphasize transparent, non-discriminatory trading systems with the WTO at its core.
He urged the SCO to take a proactive role in advocating for essential changes in global governance, stating, “The SCO must be in the lead of advocating such change, not hold back on a matter of such importance.” Through this address, Jaishankar aimed to foster a cooperative atmosphere that prioritizes stability, mutual respect, and comprehensive reform in both regional and global contexts.
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