Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called on the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to take collective action against terrorism and dismantle the entire ecosystem that supports it.
Addressing the 26th SCO Leadership Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Modi said the fight against terrorism must go beyond targeting individual attacks. He stressed the need to tackle terrorist financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens.
Modi said countries that use terrorism as an instrument of state policy or provide shelter and support to terrorists must receive a strong message that terrorism can never become a strategic asset.
His remarks came in the presence of several world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Pakistan's presence at the summit gave added significance to Modi's comments on terrorism.
The prime minister also called for conflicts and wars around the world to be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. He said battlefields cannot provide a lasting solution to disputes.
On connectivity, Modi said projects should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of every country. He emphasised that greater regional connectivity should create opportunities while respecting the interests of participating nations.
Speaking about India's vision for the SCO, Modi highlighted three key pillars: Security, Connectivity and Opportunity. He urged member states to move beyond discussions and turn these priorities into concrete and tangible outcomes.
Modi also called on the 10-member bloc to build on its 25 years of dialogue and cooperation. He said countries should use their shared geography to create shared opportunities, particularly at a time when the world is facing increasing uncertainty and instability.
The 26th SCO summit brought together representatives from 10 member states, 15 partner countries and two observer countries. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation and dialogue on regional and global issues.
The SCO includes major powers such as India, China and Russia and represents around 25 per cent of global GDP. Modi's remarks at the summit underline India's continued focus on combating terrorism while promoting dialogue, connectivity and economic cooperation across the region.
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