Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called for a united international effort to dismantle the entire ecosystem that supports terrorism, including financing, recruitment and safe havens. He made the remarks at the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, in the presence of leaders including Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The SCO, founded in 2001, focuses on countering terrorism and separatism while strengthening regional peace and security. The summit this year marked 25 years since the grouping’s formation and was held under the theme, “Let us travel together for sustainable peace, development and prosperity.”
In his address, Modi said countries must speak in one voice that there is no place for double standards in confronting terrorism. He also stressed that global conflicts should be resolved through peaceful means, arguing that no problem can be solved on the battlefield and that wars and disputes must be settled through dialogue and diplomacy.
On connectivity and economic cooperation, Modi said India supports projects that integrate markets, ease trade and create new growth opportunities, while insisting such initiatives must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.
He further described the SCO as a meeting point of civilisations, cultures and ideas, and urged greater people-to-people engagement over the next 25 years. Modi highlighted India’s efforts to strengthen youth connections through initiatives such as a startup forum, a young writers’ conference and a young scientists’ forum.
