External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar voiced India's concerns over terrorism and extremism during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit held in Islamabad on Wednesday, making a pointed remark seemingly directed at Pakistan.
Addressing the SCO Council of Heads of Government (CHG), Jaishankar emphasised that cooperation on key areas such as trade, energy, and connectivity would struggle to thrive if cross-border activities continued to be marred by terrorism, extremism, and separatism.
Jaishankar, who led the Indian delegation, stated, "Cooperation must be based on mutual respect and sovereign equality. It should recognise territorial integrity and sovereignty. It must be built on genuine partnerships, not unilateral agendas."
While his remarks were aimed at all member states, they were seen as an indirect reference to Pakistan's alleged support for terrorism, as well as China's assertive behaviour in global affairs.
The summit, chaired by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, focused on economic and security cooperation among SCO members.
Jaishankar highlighted the need for trust within the group and called for collective action, stating that SCO nations could benefit immensely if they moved forward in unity.
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