During the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers gathering in Tianjin, China, on Tuesday, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called upon member nations to increase their contributions to Afghanistan’s development and collaborate on fostering a stable, multipolar global order.
Emphasizing India’s longstanding dedication to peace and prosperity in the region, Jaishankar highlighted Afghanistan’s crucial role in regional stability. He stressed that the SCO has long prioritized Afghanistan in its agenda and pointed out the urgent need for collective efforts to support the Afghan people. “The international community, especially SCO nations, must intensify development support for Afghanistan. India remains committed to contributing in this regard,” Jaishankar shared via a post on X.
Linking Afghanistan’s future with the broader evolution of global geopolitics, Jaishankar noted the world is shifting toward a more multipolar structure. He explained that this shift involves not only a redistribution of national power but also the rise of organizations like the SCO, which are becoming pivotal players in global affairs. “Our ability to influence the global landscape will rely on how effectively we unite around a shared vision,” he said, underlining the importance of inclusive cooperation.
Jaishankar’s participation in the Tianjin meeting is part of his official visit to China, marking his first trip since the 2020 Galwan Valley incident, which caused a major strain in India-China relations. He arrived in Beijing after completing an official visit to Singapore.
Earlier that day, Jaishankar joined his counterparts in meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This visit follows recent trips to China by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in June for SCO-related discussions.
Additionally, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to visit India next month to engage in a new round of dialogue under the Special Representatives mechanism. This diplomatic initiative aims to resolve the ongoing India-China boundary dispute and foster improved bilateral relations.
