External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday stressed that the core objective of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is to combat terrorism, and that all member nations must reflect this shared goal through both words and actions.
Addressing an event in the national capital, Jaishankar reiterated India’s consistent position that terrorism must not be justified, glorified, or shielded under any pretext.
“The SCO was created with the purpose of fighting terrorism. If any country participating on this platform selectively blocks references to terror incidents or avoids calling out terrorism, then it defeats the very purpose of the organisation,” Jaishankar said.
“Our position is very clear,” he added. “One country objected to the mention of terrorism—and we all know which country it is. That is why our Defence Minister did not endorse the statement. If fighting terrorism is our common goal, then we must call out every act and every place affected.”
The Ministry of External Affairs, in a statement issued on Thursday, said the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting concluded without a joint statement due to a lack of consensus among member countries.
“India advocated for the inclusion of terrorism concerns in the document, but one country objected. The Defence Minister urged countries to unite against terrorism and hold perpetrators accountable, emphasising regional stability and security,” the statement said.
IANS
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