Jaishankar calls for zero tolerance on terror in meeting with Putin at SCO summit

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday as part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting. He delivered a strong message on terrorism, economic volatility and the need for organisational reform.

“Called on President Putin along with other Heads of SCO Delegations this afternoon,” he posted on X.

In his remarks to SCO leaders, Jaishankar reiterated India’s uncompromising position on terrorism, stressing that the organisation must remain anchored in its founding mandate to combat the “three evils” of terrorism, separatism and extremism.

“We must never forget that the SCO was founded to combat the three evils of terrorism, separatism and extremism. These threats have become even more serious in the years that have passed,” he said.

“It is imperative that the world displays zero tolerance towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. There can be no justification, no looking away and no whitewashing,” he added.

Reaffirming India’s right to defend itself, he said, “As India has demonstrated, we have the right to defend our people against terrorism and will exercise it.”

His remarks come in the backdrop of two major incidents: the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians, and the 10 November blast near Delhi’s Red Fort that killed at least 15 people. The Union Cabinet later confirmed the Red Fort blast as a terror incident.

CALL FOR MODERNISATION OF SCO

Jaishankar said the SCO must evolve to remain effective, pushing for reforms, flexibility and overdue administrative changes.

“As the organisation becomes more diverse, the SCO must be more flexible and more adaptable,” he said. He urged member states to prioritise the long-pending move to make English an official language alongside Russian and Chinese.

He cited India’s contributions such as the SCO Special Working Group on Startups and Innovation and the SCO Startup Forum, calling them steps to “promote innovation and creativity, especially targeting the younger generation.”

“In conclusion, India believes that SCO must adapt to the changing global landscape, develop an expanded agenda and reform its working methods. We will contribute positively and fully to these objectives,” he said.

Turning to economic issues, Jaishankar warned that global conditions remain “particularly uncertain and volatile,” driven by supply disruptions and demand complications.

“There is consequently an urgent requirement to de-risk and diversify,” he said.

“For that to happen, it is essential that this process be fair, transparent and equitable. India’s endeavours to conclude free trade arrangements with many of you here are relevant.”

On the sidelines, Jaishankar held brief conversations with Mongolia’s Prime Minister Gombojavyn Zandanshatar and Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. He also thanked Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin for hosting the summit.

The 24th SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting was held in Moscow on 17–18 November, with participation from all 10 member states, including India.

– Ends

With inputs from agencies

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