Jaishankar Urges SCO to Adopt "Uncompromised" Stance Against Terrorism, Highlights Pahalgam Attack

Goa, India - External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar used the platform of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) foreign ministers' meeting in Goa to reiterate India's unwavering position on combating terrorism. Highlighting the recent attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Jaishankar called on the SCO member states to adopt an "uncompromised" approach to counter-terrorism efforts, emphasizing the need for collective action against this global threat.

Focus on Pahalgam Attack and its Impact

Jaishankar directly addressed the April attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 26 individuals. He asserted that the attack was a deliberate attempt to destabilize the region and undermine the thriving tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir. Furthermore, he accused the perpetrators of seeking to sow religious discord within the community.

“The Pahalgam attack was a calculated act designed to disrupt the positive trajectory of Jammu and Kashmir's economy, particularly its burgeoning tourism sector,” Jaishankar stated during his address. He further emphasized India’s commitment to bringing the perpetrators of the attack to justice, reaffirming ongoing efforts to investigate and prosecute those responsible.

Recalling UNSC Condemnation and the Need for SCO Action

Jaishankar reminded the SCO members of the strong condemnation issued by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) following the Pahalgam attack. He urged the SCO, as a regional security organization, to translate this international condemnation into concrete action. He emphasized the necessity for the SCO to stand united against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, without any reservations or compromises.

Expert Analysis: The Geopolitical Context and SCO's Role

Dr. Sameer Patil, a fellow at the Gateway House, a Mumbai-based foreign policy think tank, notes that Jaishankar's assertive stance reflects India's growing assertiveness on the global stage. "India is increasingly leveraging multilateral platforms like the SCO to articulate its concerns about cross-border terrorism, particularly emanating from its western borders. The emphasis on an 'uncompromised' approach signals India's frustration with the perceived lack of decisive action from some SCO members on this issue," Dr. Patil explained.

He further added, “The SCO's counter-terrorism framework is often hampered by differing interpretations of what constitutes terrorism and the reluctance of some members to criticize each other's actions. India is trying to push for a more unified and effective approach, but faces significant challenges in achieving consensus.”

Historical Context: Terrorism and Regional Security in South Asia

The issue of terrorism has long been a contentious one in South Asia, with India consistently raising concerns about cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. The SCO, with its focus on regional security, has become a crucial platform for India to address these concerns and seek greater cooperation from member states in combating terrorism.

The organization, founded in 2001, aims to promote cooperation in areas such as security, trade, and culture among its member states, which include China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, and Pakistan. However, the differing geopolitical interests and security priorities of member states often complicate the implementation of a unified counter-terrorism strategy.

India's Ongoing Efforts and Future Outlook

India has been actively working to strengthen its counter-terrorism capabilities, both domestically and through international cooperation. Jaishankar's remarks at the SCO meeting underscore India's commitment to pursuing all available avenues to combat terrorism and ensure the safety and security of its citizens.

The success of India's efforts within the SCO framework will depend on its ability to build consensus among member states and overcome the existing challenges in defining and addressing the threat of terrorism. The focus on the Pahalgam attack serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of terrorism and the urgent need for concerted action to prevent future tragedies.