Says “India Reserves The Right To Defend Itself Against ‘3 Evils’ Terrorism, Separatism, Extremism”
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said that Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was founded to combat the three evils – terrorism, separatism and extremism. The remarks came days after deadly suicide blast claimed 15 lives and injured others near Delhi’s iconic Red Fort.
Addressing the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting at Moscow, Jaishankar said that these three evils have become even more serious in the years that have passed. He said that it is imperative that the world displays zero tolerance towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and that there can be no justification, no looking away and no whitewashing. “As India has demonstrated, we have the right to defend our people against terrorism, and will exercise it,” he said.
Jaishankar said that India believes that the 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”.
“We assess the global economic situation to be particularly uncertain and volatile currently. Supply side risks have been aggravated by demand side complexities. There is consequently an urgent requirement to de-risk and diversify. This is best done by as many of us, forging the widest possible economic links,” he said. “For that to happen, it is essential that this process be fair, transparent and equitable.”
“India’s endeavours to conclude free trade agreements with many of us here are relevant. And, India’s long-standing ties with SCO members makes it particularly pertinent,” he said.
He further said that as a civilisational state, India strongly believes that people-to-people exchanges lie at the core of any genuine relationship. “Facilitating greater interaction between our intellectuals, artists, sports people and cultural icons will pave the way for greater understanding across the SCO,” he said
