Global security landscape faced with several challenges, SCO region also affected: NSA Doval

The global security landscape is facing several challenges as a result of recent development, which also affects the SCO region, said Ajit Doval on Wednesday at the National Security Advisors meeting in Delhi.

“The global security landscape is faced with several challenges on account of development in recent years. The SCO region is also affected by the impact of these challenges. The charter calls upon the member states to have mutual respect for sovereignty, and territorial integrity of states,” NSA Doval said during his opening remarks at the 18th meeting of the Secretaries of Security Council of SCO member states.

He went on to say that regional and global security could be extremely beneficial because the SCO charter emphasises maintaining and developing relations with other states and international organisations, as well as cooperating in the prevention of international conflicts.

According to Doval, the Charter requires member states to have mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity of states, non-use of force or threat of force in international relations, and no unilateral military superiority in areas.

In addition, the NSA thanked the top delegates for accepting his invitation to the meeting, saying that their presence will not only enrich the discussions but will also lay the groundwork for a successful summit in a few months. In terms of connectivity, he stated that it is still a top priority for India.

“We stand ready to cooperate on investing in and building connectivity in the region. Expanding connectivity is also important to ensure that such initiatives are constituted,” he said.

He also emphasised the importance of connectivity in ensuring that such initiatives respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all countries while remaining transparent and inclusive.

Doval also emphasised that India’s foreign policy is founded on these principles and reflects “our commitment in every way.” During the meeting, he also brought up the issue of the Chabahar port.

“India is committed to fulfilling its obligations in the under the International North-South Transport Corridor and the inclusion of the Port within the framework of INSTC,” Doval stated. 

India joined the SCO in June 2017, but our relations with SCO countries date back centuries, he added. Furthermore, he stated unequivocally that terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations is a serious threat to the region.

He said, “Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and its financing are amongst the most serious threats to international peace and security. Any act of terrorism, regardless of its motivation, is unjustifiable.”

Doval also emphasised that India’s foreign policy is founded on these principles and reflects “our commitment in every way.” During the meeting, he also brought up the issue of the Chabahar port.

“India is committed to fulfilling its obligations in the under the International North-South Transport Corridor and the inclusion of the Port within the framework of INSTC,” Doval stated. 

India joined the SCO in June 2017, but our relations with SCO countries date back centuries, he added. Furthermore, he stated unequivocally that terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations is a serious threat to the region.

He said, “Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and its financing are amongst the most serious threats to international peace and security. Any act of terrorism, regardless of its motivation, is unjustifiable.”