[caption id="attachment_2169" align="alignnone" width="549"] External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar[/caption] External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, in a subtle yet firm message aimed at Pakistan, emphasized that terrorism, extremism, and separatism are the key obstacles to fostering trade and connectivity in the region. Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, hosted by Pakistan and chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, Jaishankar highlighted that cross-border activities involving these "three evils" would hinder economic development. Jaishankar stated, "Our efforts will only progress when our commitment to the SCO Charter remains unwavering. This requires us to be firm and uncompromising in countering terrorism, extremism, and separatism. These activities across borders are unlikely to promote trade, energy flows, connectivity, or people-to-people exchanges." The foreign minister stressed that any trade and connectivity projects should respect territorial integrity and sovereignty. He called for an "honest conversation" about the lack of trust among the SCO member nations. His remarks were a response to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's suggestion to expand the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and integrate it into the broader SCO connectivity framework. India has consistently opposed the CPEC project, as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which India considers its territory. Jaishankar’s comments also come amid ongoing tensions between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh, as well as concerns over China's increasing military presence in strategic waters, including the Indian Ocean.

Jaishankar’s Historic Visit to Pakistan

Jaishankar’s visit to Islamabad marks a historic occasion, as he became the first Indian foreign minister to visit Pakistan in nearly a decade. He led the Indian delegation at the SCO-CHG summit in Pakistan’s capital city, where PM Sharif warmly received him and other leaders from the SCO nations. During his address, Jaishankar underscored the importance of mutual respect and sovereign equality in fostering cooperation. He noted that the SCO member states could benefit greatly if they work together with mutual trust, while adhering to the SCO Charter’s core principles of friendship and good neighborliness. He reiterated that connectivity initiatives should respect territorial integrity and sovereignty, and partnerships should be based on collective interest, not unilateral ambitions. His remarks were perceived as a reference to China's assertive behavior on issues like trade and regional connectivity. Jaishankar’s visit and his pointed remarks at the SCO summit serve as a diplomatic reminder of India’s stance on regional cooperation, territorial integrity, and the need to combat terrorism for lasting peace and development in the region.