India condemns cross-border terrorism at SCO meet in Goa

Indian Minister S. Jaishankar said that the menace of terrorism continues "unabated" and must be stopped in all its forms and manifestations including cross-border terrorism.

In his opening address of the Shanghai Corporation Organisation's Council of Foreign Ministers meeting here today, Jaishankar said that as the world was engaged in facing Covid and its consequences, the menace of terrorism continues unabated.

"Taking our eyes off this menace would be detrimental to our security interests," he said.

"We firmly believe that there can be no justification for terrorism and it must be stopped in all its forms and manifestations including cross-border terrorism. Combating terrorism is one of the original mandates of SCO," Jaishankar said.

"The channel of activities for terrorist activities must be seized and blocked without distinction. Members need not be reminded that combating terrorism is one of the original mandates of the SCO," the external affairs minister added.

In his address at the SCO-CFMs meeting, Jaishankar also pursued the support of member states for the long-standing demand of India to make English the 3rd official language of SCO.

(ANI)