Jaishankar urges ‘zero tolerance’ on terrorism at SCO meet in Moscow

Moscow: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states to demonstrate unwavering commitment to combating terrorism, asserting that the world must pursue a zero-tolerance approach.

Addressing the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Moscow, he reminded the bloc that its foundational purpose was to counter terrorism, separatism and extremism. He noted that these threats have grown more acute and said that no justification, selective interpretation or dilution should be permitted when dealing with terrorism.

Jaishankar linked his remarks to India’s position following the recent blast in Delhi, stressing that India has the right to protect its citizens against acts of terror and will act to ensure their safety. He also urged the SCO to reform its functioning to meet current geopolitical and security challenges. According to him, the grouping must update its internal processes, broaden its agenda and increase its responsiveness to the evolving global landscape.

The External Affairs Minister is in Russia on a three-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral engagement and representing India at the SCO meetings. He arrived in Moscow on Monday and held talks with Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, where the two sides discussed regional developments, multilateral cooperation and the upcoming visit of President Vladimir Putin to New Delhi. Their conversation, as reported by Russian agency TASS, covered coordination within the SCO, BRICS, the UN and the G20.

Jaishankar noted that India’s ties with Russia have historically played a stabilising role in international affairs and continue to be of significant strategic value. With President Putin expected in India next month, both countries anticipate substantial outcomes that will further consolidate their long-standing partnership and expand cooperation across key sectors.