Jaishankar Warns World Against “Whitewashing Terrorism” at SCO Summit, Calls for Strong Economic and Cultural Cooperation
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday delivered a strong message against global terrorism, asserting that India remains uncompromising in its approach and will continue to defend its citizens against terror threats without hesitation.
Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of Government Summit in Moscow,
Jaishankar said terrorism in any form is unacceptable and cannot be rationalised or brushed aside by the international community.
“It is imperative that the world display zero tolerance towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
There can be no justification, no looking away, and no whitewashing,” he said. “As India has demonstrated, we have the right to defend our people against terrorism and will exercise it.”
Calls for Stronger Economic Resilience Amid Global Volatility
Turning to the economic challenges confronting SCO member states, Jaishankar cautioned that the global financial system is currently facing exceptional turbulence.
He pointed to a combination of supply-side disruptions and emerging demand-side shocks, warning that countries must prepare for heightened uncertainty.
“In such a climate, nations must urgently de-risk and diversify their economic engagements,” he said, stressing that the best strategy is for member-states to build broad, equitable, and transparent economic partnerships.
Jaishankar noted that India’s ongoing negotiations on Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with several regional partners should be seen as part of its wider push to strengthen resilient supply chains and reduce overdependence on any single market.
India Pushes Cultural Diplomacy; Highlights Civilisational Roots
Addressing cultural cooperation, Jaishankar underscored India’s long-standing civilisational bonds with SCO countries—ties rooted in history, culture, trade, de and spiritual exchange.
This shared heritage, he said, provides a robust foundation for deeper people-to-people ties.
He pointed out that it was with this vision that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had proposed the establishment of an SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum during the Tianjin SCO Summit.
The initiative aims to promote cultural dialogue, reinforce historical connections, and enhance mutual understanding among member states.
High-Level India–Russia Engagement Ahead of Putin’s Visit
The summit comes amid a series of high-level diplomatic engagements between India and Russia.
On Monday, Jaishankar held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, while Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev met India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval in New Delhi.
The meetings are part of preparations for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s scheduled visit to India on December 4–5, where both nations are expected to review their strategic, energy, defense, and regional cooperation.
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