The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Moscow has once again placed the global fight against terrorism at the centre of international debate. India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, delivered a sharp and uncompromising message: the world must adopt zero tolerance toward terrorism — without caveats, without selective silence, and without attempts to legitimise or whitewash extremist violence. His words strike at a hard reality the world continues to ignore.
The SCO was founded to combat the “three evils” — terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Yet, the commitment of member states has often fallen short of what is required. India, having suffered the devastating impact of terrorism for more than four decades, continues to urge SCO members to face this menace with honesty, consistency, and unity. No member of the organisation is free from the shadow of terrorism. From Central Asia to China, cross-border extremist structures continue to threaten security, stability, and economic development. But geopolitical considerations have too often diluted collective action.
Terrorism cannot be compartmentalised. It is blind to borders, faiths, and ideologies. It is, fundamentally, an assault on humanity — and political convenience cannot be allowed to protect its perpetrators.
India speaks from painful experience. Since the late 1980s, it has faced countless attacks on its legislatures, security forces, diplomatic missions, religious places, and civilians. From the 2001 Parliament attack to Mumbai, Pathankot, Uri, Pulwama and numerous incidents in Jammu & Kashmir, the scars are deep. While Ajmal Kasab was punished, the masterminds behind these attacks continue to enjoy sanctuary in Pakistan. Islamabad’s own ministers — including Fawad Chaudhary — have admitted in Parliament to its role in the Pulwama attack. The Pakistani state’s deep connections with terror outfits like LeT, JeM, and Hizbul Mujahideen are no longer allegations, but documented realities.
But today’s India is not the India of the 1990s. Surgical strikes, the Balakot airstrike, and the sweeping Operation Sindoor mark a decisive shift in India’s counter-terror approach. New Delhi has made clear that terrorism will be met with precise, firm, and sovereign responses. Dr. Jaishankar’s statement at the SCO reaffirmed India’s right — and readiness — to defend its people.
India’s message, however, extends beyond self-defence. It is a call for genuine global partnership. Terrorism cripples economies, fractures societies, and stunts development. SCO nations seeking economic resurgence cannot afford the immense cost of extremism.
Yet major obstacles remain. China’s selective approach — including its repeated shielding of Pakistan-based terrorists at the UN — has weakened collective action. While Beijing has joined statements condemning terrorism, consistency must replace occasional alignment. Without internal unity, SCO cannot hope to evolve into a credible platform for regional trust, cooperation, and balanced multipolarity.
For SCO to fulfil its potential, member states must move beyond geopolitical hedging and embrace accountability. A united front against terrorism will strengthen regional security, accelerate economic integration, and foster deeper cultural and developmental partnerships.
The world does not need another warning. The alarms have been ringing for too long. What is needed now is action — firm, collective, and unwavering. Only then can the SCO, and the world, secure a future rooted in peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
