Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in his address at the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, emphasized the need for peace, stability, and regional cooperation to drive economic development and prosperity.
He highlighted that cross-border infiltration disrupts trade and hampers public relations between nations, stressing the importance of mutual respect and sovereign equality among SCO members.
Jaishankar underscored the potential of industrial cooperation, particularly by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in boosting employment, competition and expanding markets. "Collective initiatives can increase resources and encourage investment flows, benefiting business communities through larger networks," the Indian foreign minister stated.
Focusing on environmental sustainability, Jaishankar advocated for joint measures in environmental protection, noting that the International Solar Alliance can promote renewable energy, while the Alliance for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure helps prepare member nations for climate-related challenges.
Jaishankar also demanded joint cooperation to solve global problems. He addressed global health challenges, asserting that affordable and accessible drugs would aid in the treatment of both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Calling for comprehensive reforms in international institutions, Jaishankar emphasized the need to modernize bodies like the United Nations Security Council. "Global trade and rebalancing are realities that cannot be denied," he said, urging SCO nations to seize emerging opportunities in trade, investment, and energy cooperation.
Jaishankar stressed that the region can only benefit from these opportunities if cooperation is based on genuine partnerships rather than unilateral agendas. "We have to act according to the charter of the SCO to solve problems. War against terrorism, separatism and extremism is necessary," Jaishankar asserted. He called for an honest discussion among SCO members to address trust deficits and promote regional development.
"Mutual trust and cooperation are key to achieving regional growth," he remarked, adding that if there was a lack of trust or insufficient cooperation, then the reasons for the same needed to be examined.
"We are meeting at a difficult time when two major conflicts are going on in global affairs," Jaishankar commented. He highlighted the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on developing nations and raised concerns about the rising debt and the global lag in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While acknowledging the opportunities provided by technology, he noted that it also poses new challenges that must be addressed collectively.
He further said that Article 1 of the SCO Charter needed to be considered carefully, adding that the purpose of the article was to strengthen mutual trust, friendship and good neighbourliness.
Jaishankar congratulated Pakistan for assuming the presidency of the SCO this year and chairing the summit. "India has provided full support to Pakistan for a successful presidency," Jaishankar asserted.
Finally, he reiterated the need for the SCO to play a significant role in addressing regional and global issues, particularly in the fight against terrorism, separatism, and extremism, which he described as critical to ensuring peace and stability.
