SCO summit: India urges global action against terror-harbouring nations

In a strong appeal to the international community, India on Thursday (July 4) urged nations to "isolate and expose" countries that harbour terrorists, provide safe havens, and condone terrorism.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar delivered remarks at the 24th Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Speaking at the summit attended by leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Jaishankar reiterated one of the SCO's founding goals: combating terrorism.

"Many of us have had our experiences, often originating beyond our borders. Let us be clear that if left unchecked, it can become a major threat to regional and global peace. Terrorism in any form or manifestation cannot be justified or condoned," he said.

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Subtly targeting China and its ally, Pakistan, Jaishankar said that the international community "must isolate and expose those countries that harbour terrorists, provide safe havens and condone terrorism".

Combating Terrorism

Jaishankar emphasised the need for a "decisive response" to cross-border terrorism and stressed the importance of "resolutely" countering terrorism financing and recruitment.

"We should also take proactive steps to prevent the spread of radicalisation among our youth," he said.

"Many of us have faced terrorism originating beyond our borders. Left unchecked, it threatens regional and global peace. Terrorism in any form or manifestation cannot be justified or condoned," he asserted.

He also highlighted the importance of preventing radicalisation among youth and called for proactive steps in this direction.

PM Modi's remarks

Jaishankar also delivered PM Narendra Modi's remarks at the extended format meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State, highlighting terrorism as a foremost challenge.

"The truth is that it (terrorism) continues to be used by nations as a tool of destabilisation. We have had our own experiences with cross-border terrorism. Let us be clear that terrorism in any form or manifestation cannot be justified or condoned. Harbouring terrorists must be strongly condemned," said Jaishankar.

"We cannot have double standards in this regard."

Geo-Economic Partnerships and Connectivity

Turning to geo-economics, Jaishankar highlighted the need for multiple, reliable, resilient supply chains, inviting partnerships. He said India is open to partnering with others in capacity building, especially with Global South nations, reportedPTI.

He also noted the current global debate on new connectivity linkages and stressed that it requires joint efforts.

"It must also be respectful of sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and be built on the foundation of non-discriminatory trade and transit rights to neighbours," said Jaishankar, indirectly referencing China's contested territorial claims.

(With inputs from agencies)