It was a day of mass messaging for domestic audiences, cross-border signalling and veiled references at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders' summit held virtually. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about cross border-terrorism and batted for better connectivity to enhance “mutual trust’’; Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif chose to push the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as the flagship for Belt and Road Initiative, while also hinting at Kashmir. The dragon, however, chose to cast the net wider and, in a veiled dig at America, called for opposing hegemonism and power politics and making the system of global governance fairer and more equitable.
Afghanistan, however, emerged as an area of agreement. “The situation in Afghanistan has directly impacted the security of all of us. India's concerns and expectations regarding Afghanistan are similar to those of most of the SCO countries,’’ said Modi. “We must come together to strive for the well-being of the people of Afghanistan. Humanitarian assistance to Afghan citizens, the formation of an inclusive government, the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking, and ensuring the rights of women, children, and minorities are our shared priorities. .. It is important that Afghanistan's territory is not used to spread instability in neighboring countries or to encourage extremist ideologies.”
Sharif, in his opening statement, echoed the “concerns’’ on Afghanistan. “Stability in Afghanistan is critical for achieving this common objective,’’ he said. He also urged the international community to engage with the country. “The international community currently finds itself in a ‘standstill’ with Afghanistan. The ‘cascade’ of unmet expectations has meant that critical support needed by Afghanistan to stave-off a grave humanitarian crisis, prevent an economic meltdown and to combat terrorism, has been withheld. This policy needs an urgent reset; the international community should meaningfully engage with the Interim Afghan Government to take next steps,’’ he said.
For President Xi Jiping, the summit was also to set the tone before the arrival of US Treasury Chief Janet Yellen this week. In his speech, translated and quoted by CNN, the Chinese leader said that promoting economic growth is the shared responsibility of countries in the region. CNN quoted him as saying he was opposed to breaking links and decoupling, a clear message to America about the ongoing trade tensions.
Xi was not the only leader who chose to send out a clear message. Modi, too, used the forum to hit out at Pakistan and China—especially on terrorism. “Terrorism has become a major threat to regional and global peace,’’ he said. “Dealing with this challenge requires decisive action. Regardless of its form or manifestation, we must unite in our fight against terrorism. Some countries use cross-border terrorism as an instrument of their policies and provide shelter to terrorists. SCO should not hesitate to criticize such nations. There should be no place for double standards on such serious matters. We need to enhance mutual cooperation in dealing with terror financing as well,” Modi said.
Last month, China had blocked a proposal by India and the United States at the United Nations to designate Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Sajid Mir, wanted for his involvement in the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks, as a global terrorist.
