External affairs minister S Jaishankar said in Moscow that India will defend its citizens against terrorism and will use its right to act when needed. He reminded members at the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting that New Delhi had already shown its resolve through Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror sites in Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack in April.

He said terrorism had become more dangerous with time. He urged the world to act with clarity and unity. “We must never forget that the SCO was founded to combat the three evils of terrorism, separatism and extremism. These threats have become even more serious in the years that have passed. It is imperative that the world display zero tolerance towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. There can be no justification, no looking away, and no whitewashing,” he said.

Operation Sindoor Sets Context

The meeting took place six months after India launched Operation Sindoor. India began the strike on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people. It targeted terror and military sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir before the ceasefire on May 10. The operation involved fighter jets, missiles, drones and intense artillery fire.

Earlier in June, India had refused to endorse the SCO defence ministers’ joint communique. Defence minister Rajnath Singh did not sign the document because it ignored the Pahalgam attack even though it mentioned Balochistan and the Jaffar Express hijacking.

India Highlights Economic Challenges

Jaishankar also addressed the global economic climate. He said the world economy faced instability and risk. He explained that supply-side issues had worsened and demand-side challenges had increased. He called for de-risking through fair and transparent economic partnerships. He said, “India’s endeavours to conclude free trade arrangements with many of you here are relevant.”

He noted that India faces pressure from the US to reduce imports of Russian energy and defence equipment.

People-to-People Ties and Humanitarian Support

Jaishankar said genuine relationships depend on strong human connections. He urged more exchanges between scholars, artists, athletes and cultural figures. He also stressed the need for humanitarian cooperation in a world dealing with climate change, pandemics and conflicts.

He said India had offered cancer treatment machines to some SCO members. He added that India had supplied vaccines and essential medicines during hard times. He noted that Indian relief teams reached Afghanistan on the same day earthquakes struck. He also promoted India’s Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

India Backs SCO Reforms

Jaishankar said the SCO must modernise to face new challenges. He backed efforts to counter organised crime, drug trafficking and cyber threats. He said the grouping must adapt as its membership expands. He called for making English an official SCO language. He said the long-pending decision must be completed soon.

India-Russia Cooperation Ahead of Putin Visit

On Monday, Jaishankar said India and Russia were preparing several agreements and new initiatives. Both sides aim to finalise them before Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in New Delhi in December for the annual summit.