Jaishankar Stresses On Combating Terrorism As SCO's Top Priority

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in an interview, stressed the importance of combating terrorism as a priority for the SCO. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to identify and punish not only perpetrators but also facilitators and sponsors of terrorism.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during an interview with Kazinform News, emphasised the need to identify and punish those involved in terrorism.He highlighted that the fight against terrorism, separatism, and extremism is a priority for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Jaishankar,'s comments were seen as a veiled to Pakistan. Jaishankar led the Indian delegation at the 24th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State in Astana, Kazakhstan, as reported by Hindustan Times. The SCO was established in 2001 by Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became permanent members in 2017.

Focus on Terrorism

During his address, Jaishankar stated that terrorism remains a significant threat to regional and global peace. He stressed that combating terrorism requires a comprehensive approach that includes identifying and punishing not only the perpetrators but also the facilitators, financiers, and sponsors of terrorism.

"There is no doubt that the major challenge faced by the world today is terrorism. It has become a threat to regional and global peace, and it demands urgent action from all of us," he said.

Referring to state-supported terrorists from Pakistan, Jaishankar remarked that despite decades of efforts against terrorism through global forums like the UN Security Council, terror outfits designated by the UN continue to operate in the region, as reported by Hindustan Times.

SCO's Role in Counter-Terrorism

The minister expressed confidence in SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) to propose effective measures against terrorism. He believes RATS has a "reasonable standing" to address these issues within the region.

"Combating terrorism requires a very comprehensive approach - not just the perpetrators of heinous acts of terrorism, but the facilitators, financiers and sponsors of terrorism - they all need to be identified and punished," Jaishankar added.

The Astana Summit Declaration echoed these sentiments. It stated that member states unanimously recognise the need to enhance SCO mechanisms to counter security challenges. This includes expanding cooperation in fighting terrorism, separatism, extremism, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and other transnational organised crimes, as per media reports.

"The Member States are unanimous in recognising the need to improve SCO mechanisms to counter security challenges and threats and expand specialised cooperation in the fight against terrorism, separatism and extremism," read part of the declaration.

Jaishankar's remarks align with India's ongoing stance on tackling terrorism at both regional and global levels. His statements underscore India's commitment to working with international partners through platforms like SCO to address these critical security threats effectively.