Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for unity against terrorism and called for global reforms during the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin on Monday, delivering a clear message regarding the fight against terrorism. He urged member states to abandon selective approaches, emphasizing that such tactics are no longer acceptable.
During his address, Modi outlined India’s three guiding pillars for the SCO: security, connectivity, and opportunity. He also advocated for reforms within the organization and on a global scale.
“Terrorism is not just a threat to the security of any one country; it is a shared challenge for all humanity. No country, no society, no citizen can consider themselves safe from it,” Modi stated, addressing an audience that included prominent world leaders such as Chinese Premier Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
According to official sources, the atmosphere among the three leaders was notably warm, reflecting mutual respect during the summit.
Modi referenced the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, India, highlighting its impact on the nation. “In this hour of grief, I thank those friends who stood by us. This attack was not just an assault on India’s conscience—it was an open challenge to every nation and every person who believes in humanity,” he remarked.
The Prime Minister called for clarity and unity among SCO members, insisting, “We must say clearly, in one voice, that no double standards on terrorism will be acceptable. We must oppose it in every colour, every form. This is our duty to humanity.” He also noted India’s leadership role in a joint SCO operation against al-Qaeda-linked groups this year, emphasizing the need for deeper coordination in combating radicalization and terror financing.
In discussing connectivity, Modi asserted that stronger links can foster both trust and commerce. He cited the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor, stating, “Connectivity that bypasses sovereignty loses trust and meaning.” He stressed that all projects must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, as mandated by the SCO charter.
On the topic of opportunity, Modi reflected on India’s 2023 presidency, which brought issues such as start-ups, digital inclusion, traditional medicine, youth empowerment, and shared Buddhist heritage to the forefront of the SCO agenda. He proposed the establishment of a Civilizational Dialogue Forum to highlight the art, literature, and traditions of member states.
Linking this broader vision to India’s domestic agenda of “Reform, Perform and Transform,” Modi noted that the country has turned challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic shocks into new opportunities. He invited SCO members to engage with India’s reform-driven growth.
Modi welcomed the SCO’s decision to create new centers aimed at combating organized crime, drug trafficking, and cybersecurity. He stressed that the organization should also advocate for global institutional reforms. With the 80th anniversary of the United Nations approaching, he called for collaborative efforts, stating, “The aspirations of the Global South cannot be constrained within outdated frameworks. We cannot show the multicoloured dreams of the new generation on a black-and-white screen. The screen must change.”
In closing, Modi framed the SCO as a guide for multilateralism and an inclusive world order, congratulating Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov on assuming the chairmanship of the grouping.
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