At the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad, India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar put the elephant in the room front and center. Without naming names, he sent a clear message to Pakistan: If terrorism and extremism persist across borders, regional cooperation cannot thrive.
Jaishankar’s words should resonate far beyond the SCO’s formalities. They underscore a vital truth — that prosperity and progress cannot exist in an atmosphere poisoned by violence. His call for unity in trade, energy flows, and people-to-people exchanges came with a warning: terrorism is the biggest roadblock to regional harmony.
“If activities across borders are characterised by terrorism, extremism, and separatism, they are hardly likely to encourage trade,” Jaishankar pointed out. It’s a sobering reminder of the stark reality — economies and trust cannot grow when the foundations are constantly shaken by instability and violence.
The Foreign Minister’s call for “territorial integrity and sovereignty” is a universal principle that should be non-negotiable in international relations. The SCO, which represents a vast chunk of the globe’s population and resources, has the potential to be a formidable force for economic collaboration. But as Jaishankar rightly put it, the group must be built on “genuine partnerships, not unilateral agendas.”
This was not just an indictment of cross-border terrorism. It was a broader challenge to the idea that countries can “cherry-pick” global practices — selectively engaging with the benefits of trade, while turning a blind eye to the consequences of fostering violence. Jaishankar’s remarks suggest that you cannot have a healthy regional community when the principles of trust, security, and cooperation are absent.
In a world already reeling from disruptions — including two major wars and the lingering devastation of COVID-19, as Jaishankar highlighted — the stakes are high. Supply chain crises, climate disasters, and financial volatility are all critical issues facing the developing world. Yet, none of these can be addressed in isolation from the security question. Without stability, these challenges are insurmountable.
Pakistan’s role in the SCO is important, but it must step up in addressing the cross-border terrorism that continues to strain relations with India. If Pakistan is serious about being a regional partner in trade and development, it cannot afford to ignore the impact of extremist groups that destabilize the region. Cooperation on energy and economic development requires a foundation of peace and mutual trust — something terrorism simply destroys.
The fact that Jaishankar delivered this message at a time when global tensions are high adds weight to his argument. With two major conflicts currently rocking international relations, the fragility of peace is more evident than ever. Cooperation within organizations like the SCO is critical, but only if member states commit to a shared vision of security, respect for sovereignty, and genuine collaboration. “If trust is lacking or cooperation inadequate, if friendship has fallen short, and good neighbourliness is missing somewhere, there are surely reasons to introspect,” he said. And indeed, it is time for some serious introspection.
Jaishankar’s speech was a clear reminder: Economic growth, energy security, and development — the very goals of the SCO — cannot be achieved in a vacuum. They depend on peace, trust, and the firm rejection of terrorism. To move forward, the region must tackle these challenges head-on. The message is clear: either the SCO stands united against terrorism, or it risks losing the chance to prosper together.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Khalsa Vox or its members.
