SCO meeting in Goa: Terrorism is a 'menace', must be stopped in all forms: Jaishankar
SCO meeting in Goa: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said the menace of terrorism continued "unabated" and must be stopped in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism.
In his opening address of the Shanghai Corporation Organisation's (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Goa on Friday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said as the world was engaged in facing Covid and its consequences, the menace of terrorism continued unabated.
"Taking our eyes off this menace would be detrimental to our security interests," he said. "We firmly believe that there can be no justification for terrorism and it must be stopped in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. Combating terrorism is one of the original mandates of SCO," Jaishankar said.
"The channel of activities for terrorist activities must be seized and blocked without distinction. Members need not be reminded that combating terrorism is one of the original mandates of the SCO," the external affairs minister added.
In his address at the SCO-CFMs meeting, Jaishankar also pursued the support of member states for the long-standing demand of India to make English the 3rd official language of SCO.
"I am pleased to note that the discussion on issues of reform and modernisation of SCO has already commenced. I also seek the support of member states for the long-standing demand of India to make English the 3rd official language of SCO, to enable a deeper engagement with English-speaking member states," said Jaishankar in Goa.
Earlier, Jaishankar greeted Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari with a "Namastey" ahead of the CFM meeting. Visuals showed the Jaishankar greeting Zardari in Indian tradition with a "Namastey", avoiding a handshake. On his arrival in Goa on Thursday, Zardari had said he looked forward to constructive discussions with his counterparts from friendly countries.
Here is what on agenda?
The theme is ‘SECURE-SCO’. India attaches special importance to SCO in promoting multilateral, political, security, economic and people-to-people interactions in the region.
Adding English as official language
Since becoming a full member of the SCO in 2017, India has been nudging the bloc to add ‘English’ as an official language of communication.
Also on the agenda for the SCO under India’s presidency is modernisation of the grouping with focus on advanced technology and digital infrastructure.
Discussions with regional counterparts on various regional, security, and political issues are also on the agenda.
- With inputs from agencies
