Jaishankar Highlights Trust Deficit and Calls for Sovereign Equality at SCO Meeting in Islamabad
At the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting held in Islamabad, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, made a series of pointed remarks that seemed to address both China and Pakistan indirectly. His speech emphasized the need for genuine cooperation based on mutual respect and sovereign equality, highlighting the lack of trust and inadequacies in the relationships among certain SCO members. His message came at a crucial time when geopolitical tensions are high, and the world is grappling with multiple crises.
Call for Introspection and Honest Dialogue
Speaking at the SCO heads of government meeting, Jaishankar began by laying out the key principles that should guide the organization’s efforts: trust, friendship, and good neighborliness. He stressed that these principles are crucial for regional stability and growth, but they have been compromised in some instances. Without directly naming China or Pakistan, he stated that if trust is lacking and cooperation is inadequate, it is imperative to engage in serious introspection and address the underlying issues.
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The presence of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and China’s Premier Li Qiang during Jaishankar’s address underscored the significance of his words. His remarks came across as a subtle reminder that without mutual respect and genuine partnership, the goals of the SCO could not be fully realized.
Emphasis on Combating Terrorism, Separatism, and Extremism
Jaishankar outlined the core challenges that the SCO has committed to addressing: terrorism, separatism, and extremism. He argued that these issues remain as relevant today as they were when the organization was founded. He called for a sincere recommitment to the principles outlined in the SCO Charter, emphasizing that only through such dedication could the member states unlock the true benefits of regional cooperation.
Highlighting India’s support for Pakistan’s presidency of the SCO Council of Heads of Government, Jaishankar expressed hope for a successful term under Pakistan’s leadership. However, his encouragement was tempered with a clear call for introspection and a demand for an honest conversation about the challenges facing the region.
Geopolitical Challenges and Global Instability
Jaishankar also addressed the broader geopolitical challenges that the world is currently facing. He pointed to the ongoing conflicts that are reshaping global dynamics and the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on developing nations. According to him, these crises have been exacerbated by supply chain disruptions, climate-related events, financial volatility, and the increasing debt burden on emerging economies.
His comments highlighted the urgency for SCO members to come together and tackle these issues by adhering to the organization’s core principles. Jaishankar emphasized that the solutions to these problems lie within the SCO Charter, particularly in fostering mutual trust and balanced growth, as well as countering terrorism, separatism, and extremism.
Critique of China-Pakistan Policies
In a subtle but unmistakable reference to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Jaishankar underscored that cooperation must respect territorial integrity and sovereignty. He argued that regional partnerships should be built on mutual respect and equality rather than on unilateral agendas. This statement echoed India’s long-standing objection to the CPEC project, which it claims violates its territorial sovereignty.
Jaishankar’s comments also addressed the broader issue of cross-border terrorism, implicitly pointing towards Pakistan’s alleged role in harboring extremist activities. He stressed that for any regional cooperation to be effective, countries must be resolute in countering terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Without addressing these fundamental threats, he argued, economic progress and regional stability would remain elusive.
Vision for Regional Connectivity and Economic Integration
Turning towards the potential for regional development, Jaishankar outlined a vision of economic opportunities that could arise from enhanced cooperation within the SCO. He highlighted areas like industrial collaboration, the expansion of labor markets, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as crucial components for boosting regional economies.
He stressed the importance of collaborative connectivity, which could transform logistics, energy, and trade dynamics in the region. Jaishankar was optimistic about the possibilities for mutual growth through environmental protection initiatives, climate action, and advancements in healthcare. He pointed out that joint efforts in these areas could lead to a significant shift in regional development and enhance the quality of life for people in SCO member countries.
Reforming Global Governance
Jaishankar also used this platform to reiterate India’s call for reforms in global governance institutions like the United Nations (UN). He emphasized the need to make these bodies more representative, inclusive, and democratic, reflecting the aspirations of developing nations. He noted that both China and Pakistan have resisted India’s bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council, a point that continues to be a source of contention in their diplomatic relations.
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Jaishankar urged the SCO to take a proactive role in advocating for these reforms. He highlighted that a reformed and effective Security Council would contribute significantly to global stability and peace, aligning with the SCO’s mission of fostering regional cooperation and balanced growth.
Closing Call for Unity and Responsibility
In his concluding remarks, Jaishankar emphasized that the success of the SCO depends on its members’ commitment to the principles outlined in its Charter. He called for a renewed resolve to achieve the organization’s objectives by overcoming the current constraints on cooperation. According to him, a focus on shared interests and adherence to the agreed-upon guidelines of the SCO Charter would be crucial in navigating the complexities of today’s geopolitical landscape.
He urged the members to rise to the occasion and live up to the expectations placed on the SCO as a force for positive change in the world. His message was clear: only by embracing mutual respect, sovereign equality, and an unwavering commitment to the SCO’s core values can the organization hope to achieve its ambitious goals.
Response from Pakistan’s Prime Minister
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif responded by echoing Jaishankar’s call for unity and collaboration. He urged SCO members to focus on shared challenges rather than political divisions and to work together to ensure that the organization continues to be a symbol of stability, development, and mutual benefit.
Sharif’s remarks underscored the need for collective action and solidarity among member states, a sentiment that aligned with Jaishankar’s vision of a more integrated and cooperative region.
Historic Visit and Diplomatic Engagements
Jaishankar’s presence in Islamabad marked the first visit by an Indian External Affairs Minister to Pakistan in nearly a decade. His visit, which included a meeting with Prime Minister Sharif and other SCO leaders, was seen as a significant diplomatic engagement, potentially opening doors for future dialogue between India and Pakistan. The brief exchange between Jaishankar and Sharif, coupled with their interactions during cultural performances, was a small but notable gesture towards easing tensions.
Conclusion
Jaishankar’s address at the SCO meeting in Islamabad was a strong statement of India’s stance on regional cooperation and the need for mutual respect among nations. His pointed references to China and Pakistan underscored the importance of addressing underlying issues of trust, territorial integrity, and cross-border terrorism to unlock the true potential of regional integration. The External Affairs Minister’s message was clear: only through sincere commitment to the SCO Charter and genuine partnership can the region hope to achieve peace, stability, and economic growth.