SCO Summit in Islamabad: External Affairs Minister Jaishankar emphasizes that collaboration should be founded on authentic partnerships rather than unilateral objectives. Mr. Jaishankar is currently in Pakistan to attend the 23rd Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government taking place today.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during his address at a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conclave in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, criticized the “unilateral” connectivity initiatives in the region. Referring to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Mr. Jaishankar emphasized that cross-border terrorism, extremism, and separatism represent the “three evils” that hinder trade, travel, and interpersonal relations.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended a warm welcome to Mr. Jaishankar at the summit on Wednesday. This marks the first visit by an Indian Foreign Minister in nine years and represents the inaugural interaction between the leadership of India and Pakistan since the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting. On Wednesday morning, the leaders, which included seven Prime Ministers from Russia, China, Belarus, and Central Asian countries, along with Iran’s Vice-President and Mr. Jaishankar, convened for group photographs prior to the plenary session of the 23rd SCO CHG.