NEW DELHI: Introduction In a strong condemnation of cross-border terrorism, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that terrorist activities and violence did not promote trade cooperation or enhance trade relations. At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit held in Pakistan, Jaishankar’s statement indicated that India remains one of the largest frontline states in the war against terror due to the activity affecting regional stability and development.
SCO Summit Context
The SCO Summit held in Pakistan emphasized greater cooperation at the regional level and proactive steps toward the issues that were critical in nature, including security, terrorism, and trade. As a major member of the SCO, India reiterated its stance on terrorism within its borders once again during this summit. Jaishankar’s statement was made when there has been continuous talk about terrorism in South Asia, mainly from Pakistan, and how it was affecting the peace of the region.
Terrorism and Regional Stability
Jaishankar spoke of the point that terrorism has arrested economic growth and cooperation in the region for decades. In his words, he underscored, “A country that allows shelter or patronizes terrorism cannot hope to benefit from economic cooperation because peace and stability are the sine qua non for any successful trade engagement”. His words were clear testimony: those whose actions drive in the spades of terrorism cannot even begin to hope for a vigorous economic relationship with their neighbors.
Impact on Indo-Pak Relations
Issues related to terrorism and a dispute over territory, the question of Kashmir, have marked Indo-Pak relations for years. Jaishankar’s speech directly addressed Pakistan and pointed out that India would not open the gates of trade and diplomacy without solving cross-border terrorism. It has been, in fact, the long-standing strategy of the Indian government: stand firm over specific needs before bilateral ties can be improved-focusing on the need for efforts at counterterrorism first and foremost.
SCO in Counter-Terrorism Efforts:
The recent area of focus of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, of course, would be major steps toward action against terrorism. The member nations-India, China, Russia, and other countries of Central Asia-have often debated the agenda of security in the region to tackle terrorist attacks. So, when Jaishankar spoke of a joint war effort against the terrorist outfits, it seemed to chime well with the larger reasons of the SCO-the enhancement of peace, security, and stability in the region.
Conclusion
The observations by S. Jaishankar during the SCO Summit were nothing but a reiteration of India’s strong position against terrorism and its effects on regional trade and development. His message reinforced the fact that economic cooperation can only flourish in an atmosphere free of violence and extremism. India’s stand has been very clear in this respect—that without addressing the issue of cross-border terrorism, true progress in trade and diplomacy will elude this region.
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