In a decisive address at the SCO Foreign Ministers Meeting in Tianjin, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasised that the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation must return to its founding principles, rooted in battling terrorism, extremism, and separatism. Speaking in the Chinese port city of Tianjin on July 15, Jaishankar invoked the recent Pahalgam terror attack, declaring it a “deliberate act” aimed at destabilising tourism in Jammu & Kashmir and sowing communal discord.
He urged SCO members to take an “uncompromising stance” against these “three evils,” stressing the need for action rather than rhetoric. His comments reflected India’s frustration over the bloc’s failure to adopt a united security-centric communique earlier during the defence ministers’ meeting, where India abstained from agreeing to a statement that omitted any mention of the Pahalgam attack.
#WATCH | External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar called on President of China, Xi Jinping, this morning, in Beijing, along with his fellow SCO Foreign Ministers
(Video source: Embassy of India in Beijing, China) pic.twitter.com/CODcy6IRpO
— ANI (@ANI) July 15, 2025
A Diplomatic Visit Five Years in the Making
This was Jaishankar’s first visit to China since the Galwan Valley clashes of 2020, marking a cautious thaw in India‑China relations. Chinese state media described it as a “Dragon‑Elephant Tango,” suggesting that both nations can collaboratively reshape the global order by moving beyond US‑led alliances. He also held bilateral discussions with President Xi Jinping and Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing, where China called for pragmatic cooperation and mutual respect.
In Tianjin, Jaishankar emphasised that competition should not slide into conflict, particularly in border zones, and that trade and connectivity must respect sovereignty and equality among nations. Specifically, he pushed back against any export restrictions on critical minerals, a subtle protest aimed at China’s tightening controls. He warned against economic isolation that could undermine regional stability.
From Security to Economic Stability: An Integrated Vision
Jaishankar’s speech artfully navigated between regional security imperatives and broader economic agendas. He underscored the SCO’s multipolar nature and urged member states to step up development assistance to Afghanistan. Addressing security and prosperity together, he stressed that economic development must be underpinned by trust, mutual respect, and shared sovereignty.
He also flagged global shifts towards “conflicts, competition and coercion,” urging the SCO to “de‑risk the international system” by deepening connectivity and cooperation.
The Terrorism Flashpoint: Pahalgam and Beyond
Central to Jaishankar’s message was the Pahalgam attack of April 22, where twenty‑six civilians, including tourists, were killed and dozens injured. India attributes the attack to Lashkar-e-Taiba and its offshoot, The Resistance Front, claiming it aimed to damage tourism and communal harmony. Calling the act “deliberate,” Jaishankar demanded that perpetrators and sponsors face justice, while also emphasizing that terror cannot be justified under any pretext.
The refusal by a single member to mention this attack in the defence statement prompted India to withdraw support for the communique. Jaishankar made it clear that SCO’s consensus‑based approach must not come at the cost of core values. “If any country selectively blocks references to terror incidents… it defeats the very purpose of the organization,” he remarked, thinly veiling reference to Pakistan.
Can SCO Pivot Toward Action?
India is positioning itself as a catalyst for a more purposeful and action‑oriented SCO. By spotlighting terrorism, urging unqualified language, and tying in development goals, Jaishankar is driving a broader agenda for collective responsibility. His Tianjin visit also signals India’s willingness to deepen bilateral engagement with China, provided that it remains grounded in strategic realism, sovereignty, and mutual benefit.
His call for “aid for Afghanistan” echoes India’s long‑standing role in regional stability, while his economic outreach underscores a desire for trade unaffected by coercive policies
Jaishankar Meets Sergey Lavrov at SCO Foreign Ministers Meeting in Tianjin: A Diplomatic Milestone
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the SCO foreign ministers’ event marks another significant chapter in India–Russia diplomacy. Held in Astana, Kazakhstan on July 3, the encounter focused on matters of strategic concern, most notably the welfare of Indian citizens caught in conflict zones and the broader regional alignment of both nations within global forums.
Addressing the Crisis: Indian Nationals in Conflict Zones
The heart of the dialogue centered on Jaishankar’s persistent appeal regarding Indian nationals inadvertently drawn into the Russo‑Ukraine warzone. Citing “strong concern” over their safety, he urged Lavrov to facilitate their prompt repatriation. With reports indicating that several individuals had been recruited—or misled—into the Russian forces, the External Affairs Ministry underscored the urgency of securing their safe and immediate return. These efforts reflect a deep focus on citizen protection amid complex geopolitical entanglements.
Strengthening India–Russia Strategic Bonds
Beyond consular concerns, the meeting underscored a shared vision in multilateral institutions. Both ministers reaffirmed their resolve to enhance coordination across platforms such as SCO, BRICS, the UN, and the G20. Discussions explored expanding trade, energy, transport, and financial cooperation, a clear signal of mutual intent to elevate the partnership’s economic dimension alongside traditional defence and nuclear collaboration.
A Message of Stability in Uncertain Times
This engagement arrives at a pivotal moment for global diplomacy. With ongoing military conflicts and shifting power dynamics, India and Russia emphasized the need for a “polycentric” world, resisting unilateral coercion and prioritizing balanced global governance. Their meeting projected a joint commitment to navigate shared challenges through dialogue and institutional coordination, rather than rivalry.
Implications for Future Bilateral Engagement
Jaishankar’s meeting with Lavrov sets a clear precedent:
- India’s diplomatic activism: Prioritizing citizen safety exemplifies India’s assertive foreign policy, even as it deepens ties with Russia.
- Evolving partnership scope: From military ties to energy corridors and trade frameworks, the India‑Russia relationship is broadening.
- Multilateral convergence: The alignment across SCO, BRICS, G20, and the UN suggests a deliberate strategy to shape a multipolar global order.
Ongoing initiatives such as the International North‑South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and agreements on energy and transport may further define India‑Russia cooperation. As the partnership evolves, India’s diplomatic acuity—balancing strategic interests with humanitarian concerns—will remain central.