Modi Delivers Strong Anti-Terror Message at SCO Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek to deliver a firm message on terrorism, calling for the dismantling of the "entire ecosystem of terrorism" and asserting there can be "no room for double standards." Speaking at the summit's roundtable discussion on Tuesday, Modi said countries that use terrorism as an instrument of policy and provide shelter to terrorists must be sent a clear signal.
"We must speak with one voice that there can be no room for double standards on this serious issue," Modi said, as reported by India Today. "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."
The Tribune also quoted Modi as saying that terrorism remains a "grave challenge to all of humanity" and stressed that the fight against it cannot be a mere "action-reaction" or tit-for-tat approach. He called for dismantling terrorism's "financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens."
The summit, hosted by Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov, brought together leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who was present during Modi's remarks. Other attendees included Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.
Security, West Asia Crisis, and Global Impact
Modi also addressed broader regional security challenges, noting that in an increasingly interconnected world, the "perimeter of security" has expanded. He cited the crisis in West Asia as an example of how conflict in one region can affect global energy security, maritime trade, and supply chains.
"Countries of the Global South bear the heaviest cost of this," Modi said, reiterating India's position that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy rather than on the battlefield, as reported by both outlets.
The Prime Minister also flagged drug trafficking as a serious threat to the younger generation and regional security, calling for stronger cooperation through SCO mechanisms to address the issue.
India's Role in Afghanistan and People-to-People Ties
Modi linked regional peace to stability in Afghanistan, noting that India has contributed to the development and humanitarian assistance of the Afghan people and will continue to do so, according to The Tribune.
He also called for SCO cooperation to reach people directly, emphasising the importance of people-to-people ties. The Tribune reported that Modi highlighted the benefits of SCO cooperation should be felt at the grassroots level.