Outlines security, connectivity, opportunity as 3 pillars for SCO
Bishkek, Sep 01: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said those countries that use terrorism as an instrument of their policy, and provide shelter and support to terrorists, must be sent a strong message that terrorism cannot be a ‘strategic asset’ for anyone.
Addressing the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, the Prime Minister called for dismantling the entire terror infrastructure with zero tolerance for double standards.
In his address at the summit hosted by Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov, Modi emphasised that terrorism continues to pose a “grave challenge to all of humanity” and that the fight against it cannot be limited to a mindset of “action-reaction”.
“We must dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorism — its financing, recruitment, radicalisation, and safe havens. We must speak with one voice that there can be no place for double standards on this serious issue,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister outlined Security, Connectivity and Opportunity as the three main pillars of India’s vision for the SCO, stressing that the time has come to move these pillars beyond vision and translate them into concrete outcomes.
“The first and foremost requirement for this is peace and security,” he said.
Turning to conflicts beyond the SCO region, Modi reiterated India’s call for dialogue and diplomacy, arguing that wars have consequences far beyond the countries directly involved.
“The crisis in West Asia has demonstrated that a conflict in one region does not remain confined to that region. Its impact is felt across the world, affecting energy security, maritime trade, and supply chains. The countries of the Global South bear the greatest brunt of such disruptions,” he said.
The PM highlighted that peace and stability in Afghanistan were closely linked to security in the Eurasia region, noting that India would continue its development and humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.
On connectivity, Modi backed initiatives that connect markets, facilitate trade and create new avenues for development, while stressing that such projects must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.
The Prime Minister said the real measure of success for the SCO should be in creating new opportunities for young people, opening new markets for entrepreneurs, and improving the quality of life of citizens. He also announced India’s readiness to host the first SCO Civilisation Dialogue Forum.
“From shared geography to shared opportunities, from vision to outcomes, and from government-driven cooperation to people-driven partnership. With the same belief and commitment, India is ready to contribute to the SCO family’s shared journey,” Modi said.
