Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a strong message against terrorism at the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek on Tuesday, calling on member states to adopt a united approach against terror and those who support it.
Addressing the SCO leaders during a roundtable discussion, Modi said countries must reject any selective approach towards terrorism. The meeting was attended by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other leaders of the grouping.
“We must speak with one voice that there can be no room for double standards on this serious issue. Countries that use terrorism as an instrument of policy, and that provide shelter and support to terrorists, must be given a firm message: terrorism cannot be a strategic asset for anyone,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the changing nature of security challenges, saying conflicts in one part of the world can have consequences far beyond their immediate region.
“In today’s interconnected world, the perimeter of security has grown even wider. The crisis in West Asia has shown that conflict in one region does not remain confined to that region alone… its effects are felt across the world’s energy security, maritime trade, and supply chains,” he said.
Modi stressed that developing countries often bear the greatest economic and humanitarian burden when conflicts escalate. He reiterated India’s position that disputes should be addressed through diplomatic engagement rather than military confrontation.
“Countries of the Global South bear the heaviest cost of this. That is why India has consistently called for all tensions and wars to be resolved not on the battlefield, but through dialogue and diplomacy,” the Prime Minister said.
PM Modi Raises Concern Over Narco-Terrorism
Drug trafficking was another major concern highlighted by Modi at the summit. He warned that the narcotics trade poses risks not only to public safety but also to young people and regional stability.
“Drug trafficking is not merely a crime…it is a serious threat to our younger generation and to regional security,” he said.
Modi welcomed SCO initiatives aimed at tackling terrorism, organised crime, information security and narcotics. He called for these mechanisms to result in stronger coordination and faster action among member countries.
“The Centres being established under the SCO to tackle challenges such as security threats, organised crime, information security, and narcotics are a positive step. We must make these effective instruments of practical coordination and timely action,” he said.
India Backs Greater Connectivity With Conditions
Connectivity and economic cooperation also featured in Modi’s address. India, he said, supports initiatives that improve trade and connect markets, but such projects must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of participating countries.
“India supports all efforts that connect markets, ease trade, and open new pathways to development. However, it is equally essential that these efforts respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations… this is also the core spirit of the SCO Charter,” Modi said.
He added that future connectivity should extend beyond roads, railways and air routes, with greater focus on faster customs procedures, digital documentation and efficient logistics systems.
‘Opportunity’ Must Benefit Ordinary Citizens
Modi also outlined what he described as the third pillar of India’s approach to SCO cooperation — “Opportunity”.
“The third pillar is Opportunity. This means that the benefits of SCO cooperation must reach our people directly. Our greatest asset is the bond between our people,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the SCO brings together diverse civilisations, cultures and ideas and argued that people-to-people relations should remain central to the organisation’s future.
“For India, the SCO is a confluence of great civilisations, cultures, and ideas. In the SCO’s next twenty-five years, people-to-people ties must remain at the heart of our cooperation.”
He said the success of the grouping should ultimately be judged by the opportunities it creates for young people, entrepreneurs and farmers.
The 26th SCO Summit brought together leaders from across the region in Bishkek. Modi was also seen briefly interacting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the leaders’ group photograph. He held bilateral meetings with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Putin on Monday on the sidelines of the summit.
