The joint declaration by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Astana contained the most robust language ever on cross-border terrorism as well as strong references to territorial integrity linked to connectivity corridors in the region, external affairs minister S Jaishankar told ET. He described this as the most satisfying outcome of the summit from India’s viewpoint.

“I am happy that Kazakhstan during their chairmanship negotiated an updated programme to combat terrorism, separatism and extremism, which was adopted in the Astana summit,” the minister said. “What is more important is the actual implementation of the programme that we have now successfully drawn up, which includes unambiguous commitment by all the member states in getting rid of all forms and manifestations of terrorism in the region, including cross-border terrorism.”

This was the first time that the SCO joint declaration was making use of such strong language on cross-border terrorism, Jaishankar said. This marks the recognition of India’s concerns on terror, he added.