External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar delivered a powerful message at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's Council of Heads of Government meeting in Moscow on Tuesday, demanding absolute zero tolerance towards terrorism worldwide. The minister's strong stance came during his three-day diplomatic visit to Russia that commenced on Monday.
Strong Message Against Global Terrorism
Addressing the international gathering, Jaishankar reminded participants that the SCO was originally established to combat the three fundamental threats of terrorism, separatism, and extremism. He emphasized that these challenges have grown increasingly severe over the years, requiring urgent and unified action from the global community.
"It is imperative that the world displays zero tolerance towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," Jaishankar declared during his speech. "There can be no justification, no looking away, and no whitewashing of this critical issue." The minister's words carried significant weight as he represented Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the high-level meeting where Russian President Vladimir Putin was also scheduled to speak.
India's Right to Self-Defense and SCO Reforms
Jaishankar firmly asserted India's position on national security, stating that the country has demonstrated its right to protect its citizens against terrorist threats and will continue to exercise this fundamental right. This statement reinforced India's longstanding policy of taking necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of its people.
Beyond addressing security concerns, the External Affairs Minister called for significant organizational changes within the SCO. He proposed that the regional body must adapt to the evolving global landscape, develop an expanded agenda, and reform its working methods to remain effective and relevant. Jaishankar assured that India would contribute positively and completely to achieving these objectives.
Strengthening India-Russia Strategic Partnership
The Moscow visit also featured important bilateral discussions between Jaishankar and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Their comprehensive dialogue covered multiple areas of cooperation through various international platforms including the SCO, BRICS, the United Nations, and the G20.
Jaishankar highlighted the enduring significance of India-Russia relations, describing them as "a consistently stabilising factor in international affairs". He noted that the growth and evolution of this partnership serves not only mutual interests but also contributes positively to global stability.
The diplomatic engagements in Moscow set the stage for President Vladimir Putin's anticipated visit to New Delhi early next month. Both nations expect substantial outcomes from this upcoming December meeting that will further strengthen their strategic ties. Russia continues to be one of India's closest and most long-standing international partners, with relations spanning several decades across multiple sectors including defense, energy, and trade.
