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Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conclave in Islamabad was a carefully crafted message aimed at both China and Pakistan, highlighting the complex dynamics influencing India's relations with its two neighbors. Jaishankar's call for introspection regarding regional cooperation, particularly in the context of terrorism, underscores the deep-rooted issues hindering trust and collaboration in the region. He directly criticized Pakistan's role in fostering terrorism, stating that activities characterized by terrorism, extremism, and separatism undermine trade and connectivity initiatives. This message underscores India's long-standing concerns about Pakistan's support for cross-border terrorism and its detrimental impact on regional stability.
Jaishankar's address also contained a veiled message for China, emphasizing the importance of recognizing territorial integrity and sovereignty in trade and connectivity projects. This remark, interpreted as a critique of China's assertive behavior in the region, particularly its Belt and Road Initiative, highlights India's concerns about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passing through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The emphasis on mutual respect and sovereign equality underscores India's commitment to upholding its territorial integrity and ensuring that any regional cooperation initiatives do not compromise its sovereignty.
Beyond the specific criticisms aimed at Pakistan and China, Jaishankar's address focused on the broader need for a candid dialogue and trust-building in regional relations. He stressed the importance of engaging in honest conversations about the lack of trust, reinforcing the need for genuine partnerships based on shared goals rather than unilateral agendas. This call for transparency and mutual understanding reflects India's desire to create a more conducive environment for cooperation in the region. By highlighting the SCO's foundational goals of strengthening mutual trust and good neighborliness, Jaishankar emphasized the need for member nations to reaffirm their commitment to the charter's principles, particularly in combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism.
Jaishankar's address went beyond regional issues, addressing broader global challenges impacting growth and stability. He highlighted the impact of ongoing conflicts and the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the need for global institutions to adapt to emerging challenges. He advocated for reformed multilateralism and comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council, advocating for a more inclusive and efficient international governance system. He emphasized the need for fair and balanced connectivity projects, transparent non-discriminatory trading systems with the WTO at its core, and proactive engagement by the SCO in advocating for global governance reform.
Jaishankar's speech at the SCO conclave was a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue about regional and global stability. His message conveyed a clear call for introspection, accountability, and collaboration. By addressing the complexities of India's relations with its neighbors and advocating for a more equitable and collaborative international order, Jaishankar highlighted the importance of upholding sovereignty, promoting peace, and working together to address the challenges facing the world.