US urges nations to respect state sovereignty amid SCO summit in Pakistan

US State Department spokesperson acknowledges Pakistan’s concerns over illegal nuclear material trafficking in India

The United States reiterated its stance on respecting the sovereign rights of nations to form alliances, as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit nears its conclusion in Islamabad.

In response to a question about the summit, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasised the importance of upholding international law and respecting territorial integrity.

Pakistan is hosting the two-day SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The event, which has gathered leaders and senior officials from SCO member states such as Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Iran, concludes this evening.

The US spokesperson further addressed Pakistan’s recent call for the UN Security Council to investigate alleged incidents of nuclear material theft in India.

Miller acknowledged Pakistan’s concerns, noting that Washington remains committed to addressing global proliferation threats.

Pakistan’s appeal to the UNSC follows an October 11 statement from its UN ambassador, Munir Akram, who expressed alarm over repeated incidents of illegal nuclear material trafficking in India.

Akram highlighted the arrest of smugglers in India’s Bihar state, allegedly in possession of radioactive Californium.

The SCO summit and nuclear concerns come amid regional tensions, with both countries vying for international attention on security issues.