Jaishankar’s veiled note to Pakistan: Trade can’t flourish amid terrorism, extremism

In what sounded like a veiled message to Pakistan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday (October 16) said cooperation in areas like trade, energy and connectivity is unlikely to flourish if activities across borders are characterised by terrorism, extremism and separatism.

India’s foreign minister made the remarks at the 23^rd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government in Pakistan’s Islamabad. The summit was chaired by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

‘Trust, mutual respect key to strong ties’

Jaishankar also asserted that cooperation must be based on mutual respect and sovereign equality and that it should recognise the territorial integrity and sovereignty of nations.

He said trust was key for cooperation and the SCO member nations can benefit immensely if the grouping moves ahead collectively.

"It should recognise territorial integrity and sovereignty. It must be built on genuine partnerships, not unilateral agendas. It cannot progress if we cherry-pick global practices, especially of trade and transit," he said. His remark was an indirect reference to China's assertive behaviour on key issues.

Threat of three evils

Invoking the SCO Charter, Jaishankar said member countries must be firm and uncompromising in countering the ‘three evils’ of terrorism, extremism and separatism if they want their endeavours to be successful.

Also read: Jaishankar: No India-Pakistan bilateral talks during SCO meet "But most of all, our endeavours will progress only when our commitment to the Charter remains firm. It is axiomatic that development and growth requires peace and stability. And as the Charter spelt out, this means being firm and uncompromising in countering the 'three evils'."

"If activities across borders are characterised by terrorism, extremism and separatism, they are hardly likely to encourage trade, energy flows, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges in parallel," he added.

Stress on ‘good neighbourliness’

Highlighting the essence of strengthening mutual trust, friendship and good neighbourliness mentioned in the Charter, Jaishankar said every member nation must remain faithful to these principles.

"If trust is lacking or cooperation inadequate if friendship has fallen short and good neighbourliness is missing somewhere, there are surely reasons to introspect and causes to address," he said.

"Equally, it is only when we reaffirm our commitment most sincerely to the Charter that we can fully realise the benefits of cooperation and integration that it envisages," he added.

Wars and debts

Jaishankar also referred to various global challenges.

"We meet at a difficult time in world affairs. Two major conflicts are underway, each with its own global repercussions. The COVID pandemic has left many in the developing world deeply devastated," he said.

"Disruptions of various kinds – ranging from extreme climate events to supply chain uncertainties and financial volatility – are impacting growth and development," he said.

Also read: EAM Jaishankar, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif exchange pleasantries

Jaishankar also described the challenge of debt as a serious concern.

"Technology holds great promise, as well as raising a new host of concerns," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)