External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has called on the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to reaffirm its founding principles by taking an uncompromising stance on terrorism, citing the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam as a stark reminder of the shared threat.

Speaking at the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Tianjin, Jaishankar condemned the Pahalgam attack that targeted tourism and religious harmony in Jammu and Kashmir, describing it as an act designed to sow division and harm India’s economy.

“The UNSC condemned this act and emphasized accountability. India has already acted on this and will continue to do so,” Jaishankar said. He urged the SCO to act decisively on its founding goals — combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism — especially when these threats occur simultaneously.

Addressing a broader geopolitical context, Jaishankar noted that the SCO meeting was taking place amid global instability marked by rising conflicts, economic volatility, and coercive tactics. He stressed the importance of stabilizing the international order and strengthening regional cooperation.

India, he said, has made major contributions to the SCO in areas like startups, innovation, traditional medicine, and digital infrastructure, and remains open to new proposals that promote shared prosperity.

Highlighting connectivity as a barrier to deeper collaboration, Jaishankar called for improved transit systems and promotion of the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

On Afghanistan, he reiterated India’s commitment to supporting development efforts, urging SCO members to do the same for long-term regional stability.

He concluded by reaffirming India’s vision of multipolarity and the need for inclusive cooperation: “Our ability to shape global affairs will depend on how well we align on a shared agenda.”