India Calls for Unified Stand Against Terrorism at SCO Meeting in Kazakhstan

May 26, 2024 8:17 am

At the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan, India’s MEA Secretary for Economic Relations, Dammu Ravi, delivered a powerful address, emphasizing the need for a unified and uncompromising stance against terrorism. This call for solidarity comes amid ongoing concerns about the inconsistent approaches of some member states towards combating terrorism.

India’s firm position against “double standards” in dealing with terrorism was a central theme in Ravi’s speech. He highlighted that terrorism remains a significant threat to regional and global peace, necessitating decisive and collective action. “Regardless of its form and manifestations, we must unite in our fight against terrorism, including cross-border terrorism and terror financing. There should be no place for double standards on such serious matters,” Ravi asserted, signaling India’s frustration with certain countries’ selective approach to counter-terrorism measures.

Ravi also drew attention to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO-RATS), praising its role in countering radicalization and terrorism. He stressed that India’s commitment to implementing the SCO’s action programs is unwavering, reinforcing the need for a unified front.

India’s position on terrorism is particularly significant in the context of Pakistan and China’s roles within the SCO. Pakistan has long been accused of supporting cross-border terrorism, while China has been criticized for blocking United Nations’ attempts to designate certain individuals as global terrorists. Ravi’s remarks implicitly addressed these issues, urging for a more consistent and transparent approach to combating terrorism within the SCO framework.

In addition to terrorism, Ravi’s address touched on the geopolitical significance of connectivity projects. He emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states, a clear reference to concerns over China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which India views as infringing on its territorial sovereignty. Ravi suggested that initiatives like the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor could serve as alternatives to foster regional connectivity while respecting member states’ sovereignty.

Ravi also welcomed Iran into the SCO and extended condolences over the tragic chopper crash that claimed the lives of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian. He highlighted the potential of Iran’s membership to enhance the utilization of Chabahar Port, emphasizing its strategic importance for Central Asia’s access to the Indian Ocean.

The meeting saw India reiterate its gratitude to Kazakhstan for its SCO presidency in 2024 and its role in India’s admission to the SCO in 2017. Ravi praised the historical ties and cultural connections between India and Central Asia, advocating for these bonds to serve as a foundation for deeper cooperation and mutual growth.

India’s proactive contributions to the SCO were highlighted, including its initiatives in science and technology, startups, traditional medicine, and youth empowerment. Ravi pointed to the significant achievements during India’s presidency of the SCO Council of Heads of State, underscoring India’s commitment to the principles of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The World is One Family).

As the SCO looks towards future reforms and modernization, Ravi proposed the adoption of English as an official working language to enhance the organization’s efficiency and global standing. He expressed India’s readiness to support capacity-building programs for English language training through India’s Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) courses.

Overall, India’s address at the SCO meeting underscored its commitment to regional security, counter-terrorism, and respectful connectivity. By calling for an end to double standards and advocating for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, India positioned itself as a key player in shaping a cooperative and stable future for the region.