Indian FM stresses on ‘mutual respect’ and ‘sovereign equality’ at SCO Summit

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is currently in Islamabad for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, has emphasized that cooperation should be founded on mutual respect and sovereign equality.

Addressing the SCO Summit on Wednesday, the Indian minister stated that it is essential to uphold territorial integrity and sovereignty in all collaborative efforts.

During the Summit, Jaishankar highlighted that the primary mission of the SCO is to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism, an objective that has become increasingly vital in today’s world. He emphasized the need for the SCO to engage in honest dialogue, foster trust, promote good neighbourly relations, and reaffirm its commitment to the SCO Charter.

Jaishankar stated that the organization must be resolute and unwavering in addressing these three challenges.

He also called for the SCO to take the lead in advocating for reforms in global institutions, stressing the importance of a more representative, inclusive, transparent, efficient, effective, democratic, and accountable United Nations Security Council.

Jaishankar’s visit marks a significant moment as he is the first Indian External Affairs Minister to travel to Pakistan in nine years. The last visit was by Sushma Swaraj, who attended the ‘Heart of Asia’ conference on Afghanistan in Islamabad on December 8-9, 2015. Notably, Jaishankar was part of Swaraj’s delegation during that trip.

Reporter Anwar Abbas