Jaishankar Attends SCO Meeting in Moscow: India Reaffirms Commitment to Counter Terrorism and Economic Cooperation
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar represented India at the 24th SCO Heads of Government meeting in Moscow, emphasizing zero tolerance for terrorism and promoting deeper economic cooperation among member states.
Introduction
At a time of shifting geopolitical alliances and mounting global security concerns, the 24th meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) convened in Moscow, chaired by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on November 18. Representing India, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar used the platform to reiterate India’s position on combating terrorism and reinforcing multilateral cooperation across trade, technology, and regional development.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation: A Regional Power Bloc
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), founded in 2001 in Shanghai by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, has evolved into one of the world’s most influential multilateral alliances. What began as the Shanghai Five—focused on border security—has transformed into a wide-ranging collaboration encompassing economics, security, trade, and cultural ties across Eurasia.
Today, the SCO boasts 10 full members—China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus—making it a vast intergovernmental group that represents nearly half the world’s population. The organisation aims to foster mutual trust, cooperation in diverse fields, regional peace, and a fair global order.
India’s Role and Vision within the SCO
India joined the SCO as an observer in 2005 and became a full member in 2017, alongside Pakistan. Since then, New Delhi has emphasized the SCO’s potential to serve as a stabilizing force in Asia, especially in combating terrorism and promoting connectivity. India also maintains strong engagement with the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) based in Tashkent, which coordinates measures against security threats.
At this year’s summit in Moscow, India’s stance remained firm—collaborate where possible, but stay principled on core concerns such as terrorism, sovereignty, and balanced economic cooperation.
Key Highlights from the 24th SCO Meeting
The Moscow gathering witnessed dynamic discussions among member states, touching upon global economic trends, security challenges, and mechanisms for strengthening intra-SCO trade.
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Zero Tolerance Towards Terrorism:
Jaishankar’s address underscored that the SCO was founded to combat the “three evils”—terrorism, separatism, and extremism. He warned that these challenges have only intensified with time and called on all nations to demonstrate zero tolerance towards terrorism in all its forms. -
Economic Cooperation and Trade:
Delegates focused on ways to enhance the economic dimension of the SCO’s activities. Reports from the SCO Business Council and Interbank Consortium for 2024–2025 outlined upcoming projects, lending cooperation, and trade facilitation measures. -
Joint Agreements and Initiatives:
The meeting concluded with the adoption of a joint communiqué and several decisions aimed at implementing the Program of Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation. New frameworks were approved for development of railway transport, social protection, and sustainable development goals. -
SCO Budget and Future Outlook:
The organisation’s annual budget for 2026 was approved. Tajikistan will host the next Council of Heads of Government meeting, continuing the rotational chairmanship tradition.
Expert Insight: Strengthening India’s Multilateral Diplomacy
Analysts view India’s continued participation in the SCO as strategic engagement rather than alignment. According to foreign policy commentators, India leverages the SCO forum to balance relations with Russia and Central Asia, and to maintain dialogue even with nations it has strategic differences with—particularly China and Pakistan.
Dr. Jaishankar’s emphasis on terrorism resonates with India’s longstanding geopolitical concerns. Experts note that India’s participation also strengthens its Eurasian outreach, complementing its Act East Policy and reinforcing energy and connectivity partnerships with Central Asian nations.
Economic and Strategic Implications
For India, the SCO is more than a security dialogue—it is an opportunity to shape the regional economic landscape. The discussions on infrastructure, energy, and digital cooperation align closely with India’s push for regional connectivity, including projects like Chabahar Port and International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
Greater engagement within the SCO could also enable India to bridge partnerships with Central Asia on critical minerals, renewable energy, and technological innovation. However, challenges persist—differences in political interests among member nations and overlapping regional blocs could slow consensus-driven actions.
In the broader global context, the SCO’s growing cooperation mirrors a world moving toward multipolarity, where the influence of Eurasian states continues to rise amid Western economic realignments and China’s assertive outreach.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming 2026 meeting in Tajikistan will provide member states another opportunity to assess ongoing projects and strengthen cooperation. For India, consistency in its diplomatic presence within the SCO underscores a pragmatic approach—collaborate on shared interests while maintaining strategic autonomy.
Dr. S. Jaishankar’s call for collective action against terrorism and his advocacy for balanced development reaffirms India’s position as a reliable voice for peace, stability, and equitable growth in the Eurasian region.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available official statements and factual summaries of the 24th SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting held in Moscow on November 18, 2025. The content is intended for informational and journalistic purposes only.