Ignoring terrorism will be detrimental to security interests: Jaishankar at SCO meeting
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Amid growing criticism over China’s ‘Belt and Road’ initiative, Jaishankar also underlined that connectivity is the key to progress, but it must take into account the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states. Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Kang and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and their counterparts from other SCO countries held a meeting at Goa’s beach resort.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday bluntly told the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in the presence of his Pakistani counterpart Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari that terrorism in all its forms and its financing should be stopped without any discrimination. Amid growing criticism over China’s ‘Belt and Road’ initiative, Jaishankar also underlined that connectivity is the key to progress, but it must take into account the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states. Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Kang and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and their counterparts from other SCO countries held a meeting at Goa’s beach resort.
Chairing the conference, Jaishankar also discussed the situation in Afghanistan and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the consequences of geopolitical turmoil affecting the supply of energy, food and fertilisers. In an apparent reference to Pakistan, Jaishankar said that ignoring terrorism would be detrimental to the security interests of the group and that even as the world was dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects, terrorism remained a problem. doing. The External Affairs Minister said that it is India’s firm belief that terrorism cannot be justified at all.
He also said that countering this menace is one of the fundamental mandates of the SCO. “We must not allow any individual or country to hide behind elements other than the state,” he said. “Ignoring terrorism would be detrimental to the security interests of the group,” Jaishankar said. We firmly believe that there can be no justification for terrorism. All forms of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, must be eliminated. Members need not be reminded that countering threats is a fundamental mandate of the SCO.
On Afghanistan, he said, “We remain focused on the evolving situation in that country.” Our efforts must be directed towards the welfare of the Afghan people. “Our immediate priorities in Afghanistan are delivering humanitarian aid, ensuring a truly inclusive government, combating terrorism and protecting the rights of women, children and minorities,” the foreign minister said. Jaishankar said that along with connectivity, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states should be kept in mind. India has been vocal in criticizing the BRI as the $50 billion project comprises the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). CPEC passes through Pakistan occupied Kashmir. External Affairs Minister said that India has also proposed the New Delhi Declaration in the form of SCO Summit Declaration and four Joint Declaration on Cooperation on De-radicalisation, Strategy, Promotion of Millets, Adaptable Lifestyles to Combat Climate Change and Digital Transformation .
As the current chair of the SCO, India will host the annual summit of the grouping in July. Jaishankar also sought the support of member states for India’s pending demand to accept English as the third official language of the SCO. Currently, Russian and Chinese are the official languages of the SCO. Jaishankar also appreciated the support of the member states for India’s proposal on start-ups and innovation and setting up of two new working groups on traditional medicine. In his address, Jaishankar said the current crises facing the world have exposed the lack of credibility and trust in the ability of global institutions to manage challenges in a timely and effective manner.
He said that reform and modernization of SCO would provide a more contemporary approach which India would actively support. In his address, Bilawal said, “The collective security of our people is our joint responsibility. Terrorism continues to be a threat to global security.” He said in his statement targeting the Indian side, “We should not fall into the trap of weaponizing terrorism for diplomatic gains.” Bilawal said, “We Within the SCO must ensure respect for these universally recognized principles.
Unilateral and illegal steps by nations in violation of international law and Security Council resolutions are contrary to the objectives of the SCO. We not only have the capacity to meet the challenges, but collective action will prepare us to meet the challenges of the future. “Bilawal said,” If we are to be successful, we must separate these issues from the ultra-partisan geopolitical situation. Will happen. Our excuse cannot be that we were too divided to compete.
SCO is an influential economic and security grouping and has emerged as one of the largest intra-regional international organizations. The SCO was founded by the presidents of Russia, China, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan at a conference in Shanghai in 2001. India and Pakistan became its permanent members in 2017.
Disclaimer:IndiaTheNews has not edited this news. This news has been published from PTI-language feed.
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