• Source:JND
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In a strong message at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reminded member states of the group’s founding mission to combat the “Three Evils”, terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Citing the recent Pahalgam incident as a "graphic example" of the continued threat posed by terrorism, Jaishankar called on the SCO to reaffirm its commitment to collective security and regional stability.

Jaishankar began by acknowledging the unstable state of the global order. “We meet at a time of considerable disorder in the international system,” he said, referring to increasing conflicts, economic volatility, and coercive geopolitical behaviour. He stressed the need to stabilise the global system, reduce risks, and jointly tackle longstanding global challenges that threaten collective interests.

‘Three Evils’ And Pahalgam Terror Attack

Reaffirming one of the SCO’s founding objectives, Jaishankar spotlighted the 'Three Evils”,  terrorism, separatism, and extremism, which he said often occur in tandem. As a stark example, he cited the April 22, 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. He said the attack was deliberately orchestrated to undermine Kashmir’s tourism economy and provoke religious tensions.

“The UN Security Council strongly condemned the attack and emphasised the need to hold the perpetrators accountable. India has taken steps in that direction and will continue to do so,” he stated. Jaishankar urged the SCO to take an uncompromising stance against terrorism to remain true to its founding values.

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India’s Contributions To SCO Initiatives

Highlighting India’s positive role in the SCO, Jaishankar detailed initiatives in startup innovation, traditional medicine, and digital public infrastructure. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to ideas that serve the collective good and emphasised that all cooperation must be based on mutual respect and recognition of territorial sovereignty. 

Jaishankar emphasised that deeper collaboration within the SCO requires more than goodwill; it needs action. He called for the removal of transit barriers within the SCO region and the promotion of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) to boost trade and connectivity.

Support for Afghanistan’s Future

On Afghanistan, a long-standing item on the SCO agenda, Jaishankar called on member states to prioritise regional stability and humanitarian support. India, he said, is committed to contributing to development assistance in the war-torn nation.

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Concluding his remarks, Jaishankar said the world is moving toward greater multipolarity, with groupings like the SCO playing a larger role. He stressed that the SCO’s ability to shape global affairs depends on unity and consensus, and urged members to build a shared, inclusive agenda going forward.