New Delhi— India on Tuesday called for a unified global stand against terrorism, stressing that the world must maintain “zero tolerance” toward the threat in all its forms. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered the message during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting.
Jaishankar said terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstances and warned against any attempt to overlook or “whitewash” such acts. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to defending its citizens, stating, “As India has demonstrated, we have the right to defend our people against terrorism, and will exercise it.”
He noted that the SCO must evolve with global changes, adopt a broader agenda, and reform its working methods. “We will contribute positively and fully to these objectives,” he added.
The SCO, established in 2001 by leaders of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, has expanded over the years, with India and Pakistan joining in 2017 and Iran becoming a permanent member in 2023.
Jaishankar reminded member states that the grouping was founded to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism — threats that have only grown stronger. He also highlighted the need to strengthen economic cooperation and deepen cultural exchanges to enhance stability across the region.
