What happened:
On November 18, 2025, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow along with other SCO delegation heads. At the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting, he delivered a sharp address emphasising zero tolerance for terrorism. He also pushed for SCO reforms, including modernisation, flexibility, and the long-delayed adoption of English as an official language.
Why it matters to India:
Jaishankar’s remarks come amid recent terror attacks in Pahalgam and Delhi, reinforcing India’s firm security posture. His interventions also highlighted India’s priorities on supply-chain resilience, fair trade, and new economic linkages. Culturally, he underscored India’s civilisational ties with the region and offered deeper heritage cooperation. The meeting, held ahead of President Putin’s planned December visit to India, strengthens India–Russia coordination and reaffirms India’s active role in shaping SCO’s security, economic, and cultural agenda.