Terrorism and trade cannot go hand in hand : India’s EAM

India’s EAM Dr S Jaishankar slams Pakistan without naming it

Dr S Jaishankar, India’s EAM

Islamabad (Pakistan) – India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, without directly naming Pakistan, sent a strong message stating that if terrorist activities continue, trade will not progress either. He was speaking at the ongoing meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Islamabad.

The External Affairs Minister said, “We are meeting at a time when the world is going through crises. Two major conflicts are going on, and they are creating a negative impact across the globe. The COVID-19 pandemic has badly affected many developing nations. Climate change, uncertainties in the supply chain, and economic weaknesses are impacting development. Our organization faces common challenges in fighting terrorism, separatism, and extremism.”

‘Need to introspect’ : A message to Pakistan

Criticizing Pakistan, Dr. Jaishankar said, “If there is a lack of trust or cooperation, if friendship has diminished, and the spirit of good neighbourliness is lost, then certainly there is a need for introspection. Only when we sincerely attempt to fulfil promises, can we fully experience the benefits of mutual cooperation and commitment. This is not just for our benefit. Globalization and rebalancing are realities that cannot be denied. This has created opportunities for cooperation in areas such as investment, trade, energy, and other areas. If we pursue them, it will greatly benefit our region. Peace and stability are essential for development and progress. If there is terrorism, separatism, and extremism on the borders, enhancing trade, energy cooperation, and people-to-people ties will be difficult. Cooperation in small and medium enterprises can generate employment opportunities. The industrial community can benefit from greater connectivity. New avenues can be opened through mutual relations. Cooperation is needed in sectors like the environment, climate change, healthcare, food, and energy. Additionally, significant progress can be made in the fields of culture, education, and sports, and together, we can achieve a lot. Indian Government’s initiatives on Yoga and millets will help improve the environment.”

Pakistan stops live broadcast of Jaishankar’s speech

Pakistan’s anti-India stance was once again evident during the meeting. When India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar started speaking, the live broadcast of the meeting was cut off, preventing people worldwide from hearing his speech. However, the world learned what Jaishankar said through reports later, published by newspapers and news channels.

Jaishankar takes a ‘Morning Walk’

On 16th October 2024, Dr. S. Jaishankar took a morning walk in the Indian High Commission’s premises in Pakistan. He shared its pictures on social media.

Posting on X, he wrote, ‘Morning Walk’ in the High Commission premises with colleagues from the Indian High Commission in Pakistan. Dr. Jaishankar also planted a sapling of an ‘Arjuna’ tree in the High Commission’s premises.