NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India will actively support the reform and modernisation of SCO to aid a more contemporary outlook to it. Jaishankar was addressing the Meeting of SCO Council of Foreign Ministers in Goa.

During the meeting, Jaishankar noted that current crises have exposed a credibility and trust deficit in the ability of global institutions to manage challenges in a timely and effective manner.  Reform and modernisation of SCO will aid a more contemporary outlook which India will actively support, he added.

He said that the progress for the admission of Iran and Belarus as full Member States and making English as the third Official language of SCO also constructive steps in this regard.

Jaishankar said that the menace of terrorism has continued unabated and taking our eyes off it would be detrimental to our security interests. Reiterated that there can be no justification for terrorism and it must be stopped in all its forms and manifestations including cross-border terrorism. We must not allow anybody - individual or State - to hide behind non-State actors, he added.

Underlining that while connectivity is key to progress, it must come with respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states. He further highlighted that unfolding situation in Afghanistan remains at the centre of our attention and efforts should be directed towards the welfare of the Afghan people.

He appreciated support of member countries for India’s proposal of creation of two new working groups on Startups & Innovation and Traditional Medicine. 

India has furthered its priority of moving “Towards a SECURE SCO” during our presidency. Sought Member States’ support in timely finalisation of documents for approval of our leaders at the SCO Summit in New Delhi, he said.