Zero tolerance, no whitewashing: Jaishankar on terrorism at SCO assembly in Russia

India on Tuesday (November 18, 2026) mentioned that the world should show “zero tolerance” in direction of terrorism in all its kinds and manifestations, asserting that there could be no justification, no trying away and “no whitewashing”.

“As India has demonstrated, we have the right to defend our people against terrorism, and will exercise it,” External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar mentioned in his tackle on the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government assembly in Moscow.

Mr. Jaishankar mentioned India believes that the SCO should “adapt to the changing global landscape, develop an expanded agenda, and reform its working methods”.

“We will contribute positively and fully to these objectives,” he mentioned.

The SCO was based at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

India and Pakistan turned its everlasting members in 2017.

In July 2023, Iran turned the brand new everlasting member of the SCO at an India-hosted digital summit of the grouping.

“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,” he mentioned.

“It is imperative that the world displays zero tolerance towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. There can be no justification, no looking away and no whitewashing,” the EAM mentioned.

Mr. Jaishnkar additionally emphasised on the prevailing financial state of affairs globally and the significance of fostering higher cultural ties within the influential bloc.

“We assess the global economic situation to be particularly uncertain and volatile currently. Supply side risks have been aggravated by demand side complexities. There is consequently an urgent requirement to de-risk and diversify. This is best done by as many of us, forging the widest possible economic links,” he mentioned.

For that to occur, it’s important that this course of be “fair, transparent and equitable,” the EAM mentioned.

“India’s endeavours to conclude free trade agreements with many of us here are relevant,” Mr. Jaishankar mentioned.

And, India’s long-standing ties with SCO members makes it significantly pertinent, he added.

“As a civilisational state, India strongly believes that people-to-people exchanges lie at the core of any genuine relationship. Facilitating greater interaction between our intellectuals, artists, sports people and cultural icons will pave the way for greater understanding across the SCO,” the External Affairs Minister mentioned.