Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful and uncompromising message on the global menace of terrorism during the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit held in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Addressing the gathering in the presence of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PM Modi asserted that terrorism can never be considered a strategic asset for any nation. He emphasized that countries using terrorism as an instrument of state policy and those providing sanctuary and support to terrorists must be given a clear and stern message. The Prime Minister highlighted that terrorism remains one of the most significant challenges facing humanity today and requires a collective, zero-tolerance approach from the international community.
Dismantling the Entire Ecosystem of Terrorism
During his address, Prime Minister Modi stressed that the fight against terrorism shouldn't be limited merely to taking action against individual terrorists, while instead, he called for the complete destruction of the entire system that sustains such activities. This includes dismantling the networks involved in terror funding, recruitment, radicalization, and the provision of safe havens. PM Modi urged all member nations to speak in one voice on this critical issue, leaving no room for double standards. He pointed out that those who harbor or support terrorists must understand that terrorism can't serve as a strategic weapon for anyone and will eventually pose a threat to the entire region.
Regional Security and the Vision for SCO
The Prime Minister outlined India's vision for the SCO, which is built on three fundamental pillars: Peace and Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity. He noted that the shared goal of a peaceful and secure Eurasia is intrinsically linked to the stability and peace of Afghanistan. India has been a consistent contributor to the development and humanitarian assistance of the Afghan people and remains committed to continuing these efforts. PM Modi also addressed the ongoing crisis in West Asia, stating that conflicts in one region don't remain confined but have far-reaching consequences for global energy security, maritime trade, and supply chains. He emphasized that the burden of such conflicts is often borne most heavily by the countries of the Global South. India maintains that the solution to tensions and wars lies not on the battlefield but through dialogue and diplomacy.
Addressing Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime
Another significant challenge highlighted by PM Modi was the trafficking of drugs, which he described as a grave threat to the youth and regional security. He called for strengthening cooperation through existing SCO mechanisms that deal with security threats, organized crime, information security, and narcotics trafficking, while the Prime Minister suggested that these frameworks shouldn't be limited to meetings but should become effective channels for practical cooperation and timely action. He emphasized that the benefits of SCO cooperation must reach the common people directly, identifying people-to-people ties as the greatest strength of the organization.
The 26th SCO Summit and Global Leadership
The summit was hosted by Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov, who currently holds the presidency of the organization. The high-level meeting saw the participation of several world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon. The 26th SCO Leadership Summit included 10 member states, 15 partner countries, and two observer nations, all aiming to advance dialogue and cooperation on regional and global issues. The SCO member states collectively account for approximately 25 percent of the world's GDP, making it a significant economic bloc.
India's Role and the SCO Plus Format
India has been a full member of the SCO since 2017, and this summit marks the 25th anniversary of the organization's founding. This year, the summit was also held in an expanded SCO Plus format, featuring leaders from over a dozen associated countries, while notable attendees included Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith, and Togo President Faure Gnassingbe. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also arrived in Bishkek to participate in the summit. PM Modi concluded by stating that the true measure of SCO's success should be the creation of new opportunities for youth, markets for entrepreneurs, technology for farmers, and an overall improvement in the lives of ordinary citizens.