Peace means tough stance against terrorism, extremism: Indian FM address at SCO

Islamabad: Indian Foreign Minister Jai Shankar said that peace means taking a strict attitude against terrorism and extremism.

Addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, Indian Foreign Minister Jai Shankar said: “I congratulate Pakistan for assuming the presidency of the SCO. India has extended its full support to make this presidency a success”.

Jai Shankar stated that they are meeting at a time when the situation around the world is complicated, two major conflicts are going on which have different global effects.

He added that COVID has hit developing countries hard, with extreme weather events, supply chain uncertainty and financial instability hampering development.

The Indian Foreign Minister further said that the debt burden is a serious problem. The world is lagging in achieving the goals of sustainable development. Technology is creating new hopes on one side and also bringing difficulties on the other side. What strategies should SCO members adopt to meet these challenges?

He also stated that they need an honest dialogue. If there is any lack of trust, friendship and good neighborly principles then we should be held accountable, it is not just for our own benefit.

Jai Shankar continued to say that the world is moving towards a multi-polar system. Globalisation and balance are realities from which it is not possible to escape. These changes have created opportunities in the fields of trade, investment, coordination and other cooperation. If we take advantage of the opportunities, our region can grow a lot.

He said that not only us but also others can take inspiration from our efforts. Our cooperation should be based on mutual respect and equality of sovereignty. We should respect each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty. This cooperation should be based on true partnership, not unilateral agendas.

The Indian foreign minister further said that development and stability depend on peace. Peace means taking a strict attitude against terrorism, extremism and separatism. If activities like cross-border terrorism, extremism and separatism continue, trade and promotion of communication at the public level will be difficult. One should think how much benefits we can get if the conditions are different.

He added that our agenda in Islamabad today gives us a glimpse of these possibilities. Industrial cooperation can increase competition and employment opportunities. The cooperation between MSMEs can have positive effects on employment. Our joint efforts can boost the growth of resources and investment. The business community will benefit from bigger networks.

Indian Foreign Minister Jai Shankar said that the development of connectivity can give rise to new efficiencies. Big changes can come in the logistics and energy sectors. There are vast opportunities for cooperation in environmental protection and climate change initiatives. Treatment of communicable and non-communicable diseases can be improved by affordable and accessible pharmaceuticals. Together we can achieve better results in the areas of health, food and energy security.