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New Delhi, Oct 16: At the 23rd Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government in Islamabad, India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr S. Jaishankar, made an impassioned call for the member states to introspect and reaffirm their commitment to the SCO Charter. He stressed that the future of the organisation depends on restoring trust, enhancing cooperation, and embracing the Charter’s guiding principles.
“If trust is lacking or cooperation inadequate, if friendship has fallen short and good neighbourliness is missing somewhere, there are surely reasons to introspect and causes to address,” Jaishankar remarked, highlighting a candid assessment of current relations among SCO members. He emphasized that only by renewing their commitment to the Charter could the organization fully realise the benefits of cooperation and integration. Opening his address with a blend of Indian and Russian greetings, “Namaskar” and “Dobrye Utro,” Jaishankar congratulated Pakistan on its presidency of the SCO this year.
“India has extended its full support for a successful Presidency,” he stated. His remarks set the tone for an address that urged unity and reflection in the face of global and regional challenges. Jaishankar drew attention to the pressing global issues, including two major conflicts and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which have collectively strained international relations and economic growth.
“We meet at a difficult time in world affairs. Two major conflicts are underway, each with its own global repercussions. The Covid pandemic has left many in the developing world deeply devastated,” he said.
Highlighting the interconnected nature of these crises, he noted that “disruptions of various kinds—ranging from extreme climate events to supply chain uncertainties and financial volatility—are impacting growth and development.” He urged SCO members to reflect on the fundamental goals laid out in the organisation’s Charter. “Let us renew our resolve to attain the objectives of the SCO.
That means recognising the current constraints on our cooperation and focusing on the pathway forward,” Jaishankar said, stressing the need for developing an agenda that is “firmly based on an agreed mutuality of interests.” He made it clear that achieving these objectives requires a sincere reaffirmation of the Charter’s principles. Central to Jaishankar’s address was the importance of combating the three evils—terrorism, separatism, and extremism—which he described as core challenges for the SCO.
“The Charter was equally clear what the key challenges were. And these were primarily three, that the SCO was committed to combatting: one, terrorism; two, separatism; and three, extremism,” he pointed out. He cautioned that the region could not move forward in areas like trade, energy flows, and connectivity if these threats were not firmly addressed.
“If activities across borders are characterised by terrorism, extremism, and separatism, they are hardly likely to encourage trade, energy flows, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges in parallel,” Jaishankar remarked. Beyond security concerns, Jaishankar emphasised the potential for the SCO to unlock vast economic and developmental opportunities through greater cooperation. “Our collective endeavours can expand resources and encourage investment flows.
Business communities will profit through larger networks. Collaborative connectivity can create new efficiencies,” he explained, urging the member states to explore areas of industrial cooperation, MSME partnerships, and climate action. Jaishankar also spoke about India’s own initiatives that align with the broader goals of the SCO, such as the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
He emphasised the significance of promoting sustainable lifestyles and environmentally conscious practices through India’s Mission LiFE initiative. “Practicing Yoga and promoting millets make a difference to wellness and to the environment,” he noted, linking these efforts to global sustainability goals. A key issue raised by Jaishankar was the need for reforms in global governance, particularly the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
He urged the SCO to take a leadership role in advocating for reforms that would make the UNSC more representative and effective. “Comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council, both in the permanent and non-permanent categories, is essential,” Jaishankar stated. He reminded the audience of the agreement made at the SCO meeting in Astana in July 2024, where members collectively acknowledged the importance of reforming global institutions to better represent developing countries.
“The credibility and effectiveness of the UN is dependent on ensuring the representation of developing countries through comprehensive reform,” he added, calling on the SCO to champion this cause. Concluding his address, Dr. Jaishankar once again highlighted the importance of reaffirming the SCO Charter and recognizing the obstacles currently facing the organization.
“Our endeavours will progress only when our commitment to the Charter remains firm. It is axiomatic that development and growth require peace and stability,” he said. He urged member states to live up to their responsibilities as forces for positive change, especially in a world moving towards multi-polarity and rebalancing.
“There is no question that our region will benefit immensely if we take this forward. Not just that, others too would draw their own inspiration and lessons from such efforts,” he concluded. The summit, held under tight security in Islamabad, saw participation from high-level representatives from China, Russia, Belarus, Iran, and several Central Asian nations.
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