External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday highlighted cross-border terrorism, extremism, and separatism as key obstacles to trade, travel, and regional cooperation. Speaking at the 23rd Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government, the foreign minister took a veiled dig at Pakistan, saying that such activities across borders impede trade, energy flows and connectivity.

Jaishankar also criticized unilateral connectivity projects, indirectly referring to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, stressing the need for mutual respect and sovereign equality in regional cooperation. He said that globalization and rebalancing offer new opportunities, urging countries to focus on genuine partnerships rather than selective global practices.

Calling for a firm commitment to the SCO Charter, the external affairs minister emphasized the importance of peace and stability for development, adding that the region could benefit immensely from industrial cooperation, MSME collaboration, and enhanced connectivity. He also emphasised the potential for cooperation in areas like environmental protection, health, and energy security, stressing the need for honest dialogue if trust and good neighborliness are lacking.

Jaishankar also shared highlights of his remarks at the SCO Meeting on X (formerly Twitter).

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier welcomed Jaishankar to the meeting venue, with visuals from Pakistan Television showing the two leaders shaking hands and posing for photographs.