India Vows Strong Counter-Terror Response: EAM S Jaishankar’s Powerful Message at SCO Summit in Moscow

India Vows Strong Counter-Terror Response: EAM S Jaishankar’s Powerful Message at SCO Summit in Moscow

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At the SCO Summit in Moscow, EAM S Jaishankar delivered a strong warning against terrorism, asserting India’s right to defend itself after the Red Fort blast. His remarks linked regional security to trade, connectivity and SCO reforms, shaping the summit’s geopolitical tone.

India Issues Firm Terror Warning at SCO Summit

TheInterviewTimes.com | November 18, 2025: In a forceful and unambiguous address at the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in Moscow, EAM S Jaishankar declared that India will continue to defend its people against every form of terrorism.

His remarks came just a week after a deadly bomb blast near Delhi’s Red Fort that killed 14 civilians and injured more than 40 people.

Speaking before leaders including Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, and heads of government from Central Asia, Iran, and Belarus, EAM S Jaishankar reminded the gathering that the SCO was founded precisely to combat the “three evils” of terrorism, separatism, and extremism.

“The SCO was created to counter the threats of terrorism, separatism, and extremism. These have become even more serious with time,” he said, urging member-states to adopt absolute zero tolerance. His message was unmistakably firm: “As India has demonstrated, we have the right to defend our people against terrorism and will exercise it.”

Implicit Message to Pakistan Amid Rising Security Concerns

Although EAM S Jaishankar refrained from naming any nation, the context was unmistakably clear. India has long accused Pakistan-based networks of providing safe havens to groups targeting Indian citizens.

The Red Fort blast, claimed by the little-known Lashkar-e-Islam outfit, reignited domestic outrage and placed counter-terrorism at the centre of the Moscow summit.

“Support for cross-border terrorism and extremism undermines trade, energy flows, and connectivity,” he said, directly linking security with SCO’s economic agenda. Analysts interpret this as a strategic message that India will not tolerate attempts to separate economic discussions from the security realities of South Asia.

Jaishankar Pushes SCO Reforms, Language Expansion & Supply Chain Security

While security dominated headlines, EAM S Jaishankar also stressed economic resilience and institutional reform. He called for “de-risking and diversifying supply chains” amid global geopolitical uncertainties, promoting “fair, transparent, and equitable partnerships” within the SCO framework.

India also backed the proposal to introduce English as an official working language of the SCO to enhance efficiency and inclusivity as the organisation expands.

In addition, India supported new SCO centres focusing on organised crime, narcotics trafficking, and cyber threats—areas where cooperation is becoming essential as digital infrastructure grows across Eurasia.

Bilateral Talks with Russia Emphasise Counter-Terror Coordination

On the sidelines of the summit, EAM S Jaishankar held extensive discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to jointly combating terrorism “in all forms and manifestations.” The talks also covered Afghanistan’s evolving situation and coordination within BRICS and the UN Security Council.

As the summit concluded, Prime Minister Mishustin announced that Russia will hand over the SCO chairmanship to Kazakhstan in 2026, with the next Heads of Government meeting scheduled for Astana.

India’s Strategic Message: Counter-Terrorism Is Non-Negotiable

For India, the Moscow summit delivered a dual strategic outcome. It reinforced India’s position as a stabilising, responsible player in Eurasian multilateral forums, while also making it absolutely clear that terrorism remains a red line.

The closing message echoed across global headlines: India will defend itself—decisively and unapologetically.

Key Takeaways

  • EAM S Jaishankar delivered a sharp message on counter-terrorism at the SCO Summit.
  • India reaffirmed its right to defend its people after the recent Red Fort blast.
  • Jaishankar linked terrorism to disruptions in trade, connectivity, and regional stability.
  • India advocated SCO reforms, language expansion, and supply chain diversification.
  • Bilateral talks with Russia strengthened counter-terror coordination.