'There are reasons to introspect': EAM's message to Pakistan and China on 'good neighborliness'

NEW DELHI: In an oblique message aimed at Pakistan and China, India's external affairs minister brought up the issue of cross border terrorism and called for a rethink of "good neighborliness" that is missing. "If friendship has fallen short and good neighbourliness is missing somewhere, there are surely reasons to introspect and causes to address," Jaishankar said highlighting how the subject of terrorism is keeping regional cooperation and connectivity issues away.

The trip by Jaishankar is the first time in nearly nine years that India's foreign minister travelled to Pakistan even as the ties between the two neighbors remained tense over the Kashmir issue and cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

The external affairs minister said that trade and connectivity initiatives must acknowledge territorial integrity and sovereignty and it is essential to have an "honest conversation" on lack of trust.

In remarks that were aimed at Pakistan, Jaishankar also said if activities across borders are "characterised" by terrorism, extremism and separatism, they are hardly likely to encourage trade, energy flows and connectivity in parallel.

Earlier yesterday, ahead of the deliberations, PM Sharif shook hands with Jaishankar and warmly received him and other leaders of the SCO nations at the Jinnah Convention Centre, the venue of the summit.

"If activities across borders are characterised by terrorism, extremism and separatism, they are hardly likely to encourage trade, energy flows, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges in parallel," the external affairs minister said without naming Pakistan.

Before leaving Islamabad, Jaishankar also extended his wishes to PM Sharif and Pakistan foreign minister Ishaq Dar in a post on 'X' that is perceived as a positive gesture by senior functionaries in the Pakistan establishment.

"Departing from Islamabad. Thank PM Shehbaz, DPM & FM and the Government of Pakistan for the hospitality and courtesies," he said.

In his speech at the conclave, Jaishankar stressed that cooperation should be grounded in mutual respect and equal sovereignty. He pointed out that SCO member states could gain significantly by advancing together with mutual trust. He also underscored the importance of adhering to the SCO charter, which focuses on fostering trust, friendship, and good relations among neighboring countries.

"It should recognise territorial integrity and sovereignty. It must be built on genuine partnerships, not unilateral agendas. It cannot progress if we cherry-pick global practices, especially of trade and transit," he said, in remarks seen as an indirect reference to China's assertive behaviour.

"But most of all, our endeavours will progress only when our commitment to the Charter remains firm. It is axiomatic that development and growth requires peace and stability. And as the Charter spelt out, this means being firm and uncompromising in countering the 'three evils'."

India has been always critical of China's Belt and Road initiative, particularly due to the inclusion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India is also the only country in the SCO bloc that did not sign up for Beijing's BRI.

Jaishankar remarked that there is a need for reflection on whether "good neighbourliness" is being overlooked and if there is an absence of trust.

"If we fast-forward from the inception of the charter to the situation today, these goals and these tasks are even more crucial. It is, therefore, essential that we have an honest conversation," he said.

"If trust is lacking or cooperation inadequate, if the friendship has fallen short and good neighbourliness is missing somewhere, there are surely reasons to introspect and causes to address," he said.

"Equally, it is only when we reaffirm our commitment most sincerely to the Charter that we can fully realise the benefits of cooperation and integration that it envisages," he added.

Jaishankar stated that the goal of the SCO is to enhance mutual trust, foster friendship, and promote good neighbourly relations.


"It is to develop multifaceted cooperation, especially of a regional nature. It is to be a positive force in terms of balanced growth, integration and conflict prevention," he said.

"The Charter was equally clear what the key challenges were. And these were primarily three, that the SCO was committed to combating: one, terrorism; two, separatism; and three, extremism," he said.