Introduction
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made counter-terrorism the central theme of his address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek on Tuesday, calling for a united response against terrorism and warning that there could be "no place for double standards" in dealing with the threat. His remarks came in the presence of Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to a report by Times Now.
One Voice Against Terrorism
Addressing the 26th SCO Summit, Modi stressed the need for countries to speak with "one voice" against terrorism and reject double standards, as reported by both Outlook India and Times Now. "We must dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorism—its financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens," Modi said, according to Times Now. He added, "We must speak with one voice that there can be no place for double standards on terrorism."
Outlook India reported that Modi called for SCO countries to work together to dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorism, including its financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens, and urged countries to speak with one voice against terrorism.
The Prime Minister's remarks on tackling terrorism assume significance as India continues its efforts to highlight and condemn Pakistan's support for cross-border terrorism, Times Now reported.
India's Stated Position on Terrorism
Ahead of the summit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India maintained zero tolerance towards terrorism and cross-border terrorism, and regarded the SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure as an important mechanism for tackling the threat, according to Outlook India. The MEA also said these priorities would remain central to India's engagement at the Bishkek summit.
Outlook India noted that the formulation gives India's counter-terrorism position a broader multilateral framing, as the SCO brings together countries with differing views on security and regional conflicts. India has previously stressed the need for the organisation to maintain a consistent position on terrorism.
Dialogue and Diplomacy Over Conflict
Modi underlined India's position that conflicts cannot be resolved through military means alone, stressing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, as reported by both outlets. "There is no solution on the battlefield; all wars and conflicts must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy," he said, according to Times Now.
His remarks come as the SCO summit takes place against the backdrop of continuing conflicts and tensions across Eurasia and West Asia, Outlook India reported. The message was also consistent with Modi's earlier engagement at the summit, including his bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where he stressed the costs of prolonged war, and his meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian amid the continuing regional crisis, according to Outlook India.
Connectivity and Sovereignty
Modi backed efforts to connect markets, facilitate trade and open new pathways for development, but stressed that connectivity projects must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, as reported by both outlets. Times Now described these remarks as an oblique reference to China's Belt and Road Initiative.
Outlook India reported that the MEA identified Chabahar as an important part of India's engagement with Central Asia. Modi also highlighted Indian initiatives including the SCO Start-up Forum, Young Authors' Conclave and Young Scientists' Forum, and announced that the first session of the SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum would be held in India this year, according to Outlook India. The MEA said India would continue to emphasise cultural and people-to-people connections across the grouping.
Background of the Summit
The 26th SCO Summit is underway in Bishkek, with the 10-member organisation marking 25 years since its founding, Times Now reported. The SCO was founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, with India and Pakistan joining as full members in 2017, followed by Iran in 2023 and Belarus in 2024.