India Vows Zero Tolerance Against Terrorism as Jaishankar Addresses SCO Summit

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India reiterated its stance on combating terrorism, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar asserting that the country has the right to defend its people against the scourge. Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in Moscow, Jaishankar emphasized the need for zero tolerance against terrorism in all its forms. The threat of terrorism has intensified over the years, Jaishankar noted, calling for a unified global approach to combat the menace. He highlighted India's commitment to fighting terrorism, citing the country's military response to the Pahalgam terror attack in April, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people. Operation Sindoor, launched in May, marked India's direct military response to the attack. Jaishankar's remarks come six months after India refused to endorse the SCO defence ministers' meeting's joint communique due to its failure to address terrorism-related concerns. The theme of the current SCO meeting encompasses various issues, including trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation. In his address, Jaishankar also emphasized the importance of forging economic links among SCO member states, citing the need for a fair, transparent, and equitable approach. He highlighted India's efforts to conclude free trade arrangements with several member states. As India faces pressure from the US to reduce its reliance on Russian energy and military hardware, Jaishankar stressed the significance of people-to-people exchanges in fostering genuine relationships among SCO member states. He also underscored the importance of humanitarian cooperation in the face of climate change, pandemics, and conflicts. Jaishankar's remarks also touched on the SCO's modernization efforts, with a focus on tackling emerging challenges such as organized crime, drug trafficking, and cybersecurity. He welcomed the organization's reform-oriented agenda and emphasized the need for greater flexibility and adaptability as the SCO becomes more diverse. In related news, India and Russia are working to finalize several bilateral agreements and projects ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi in December for a bilateral summit.