'No looking away...no whitewashing': Jaishankar's anti-terrorism message at SCO meeting
What's the story
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has called for a "zero tolerance" approach to terrorism at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Moscow. He emphasized that the SCO was established to tackle terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Jaishankar stressed that there can be "no justification, no looking away," or "whitewashing" when it comes to terrorism. "As India has demonstrated, we have the right to defend our people against terrorism, and we will exercise it," he added.
Reform call
Jaishankar calls for reform in SCO's working methods
Jaishankar also called for reforms in the SCO's working methods to keep pace with the changing global landscape. He said, "India believes that the SCO must adapt to the changing global landscape, develop an expanded agenda, and reform its working methods." The minister is on a three-day visit to Russia for high-level talks ahead of President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi next month.
Bilateral talks
Jaishankar meets Lavrov, represents PM Modi at SCO meeting
During his visit, Jaishankar met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss bilateral, regional, and international issues. Their talks also touched upon cooperation through platforms like SCO, BRICS, the United Nations, and the Group of 20 (G20). On Tuesday, he represented Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting.
Strategic partnership
Jaishankar highlights importance of India-Russia ties
Jaishankar also highlighted that India-Russia ties have always been a stabilizing factor internationally. He said their growth is not just in mutual interest but also globally beneficial. Russia is one of India's closest and longest-standing partners, with both sides expecting significant outcomes from President Putin's upcoming visit in December to strengthen strategic ties further.