Thu Oct 17 01:22:47 UTC 2024: ## India Warns Pakistan: Terrorism, Extremism, and Separatism Hinder Cooperation, Jaishankar Says
**Islamabad, Pakistan** – External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar delivered a strong message to Pakistan on Wednesday, warning that cross-border activities linked to “terrorism, extremism, and separatism” will obstruct progress in trade, connectivity, and energy cooperation.
Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad, chaired by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Jaishankar emphasized the need for adherence to the SCO charter, which explicitly opposes these “three evils.” He asserted that genuine trust and respect for territorial integrity are crucial for fostering cooperation and building robust partnerships.
Jaishankar’s remarks came in response to Sharif’s suggestion to expand the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and integrate it into the SCO’s connectivity framework. India has long opposed the CPEC, as it traverses through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The minister’s statement also carries significance amidst heightened tensions between India and China, with a prolonged military standoff in eastern Ladakh and concerns over China’s growing military influence in the Indian Ocean.
Jaishankar’s visit to Pakistan marked the first by an Indian foreign minister in nearly a decade. While acknowledging the potential for collaboration within the SCO framework, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of genuine partnership, mutual respect, and sovereignty. His veiled criticism of China’s assertive behavior on key issues like trade and connectivity underscores India’s commitment to a rules-based and equitable approach to regional cooperation.
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