Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, emphasizing security, connectivity, and opportunity as the three key pillars of India’s vision for the SCO. He called for united action against terrorism, respect for sovereignty in connectivity projects, and deeper cooperation across emerging fields.
Prime Minister Modi thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for the warm welcome and extended greetings to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on their national days. Reflecting on the SCO’s role over the past 24 years, he said India had always contributed positively to strengthening the Eurasian partnership.
Focusing on the first pillar, Security, PM Modi highlighted that terrorism, separatism, and extremism remained the greatest challenges. He condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, terming it an assault not just on India but on all humanity. “Double standards on terrorism are unacceptable. Together, we must oppose terrorism in every form and manifestation,” he said, stressing the need for collective action against terror financing and radicalization.
On the second pillar, Connectivity, the Prime Minister underlined India’s initiatives such as the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor as ways to enhance trade and trust. He reiterated that connectivity projects must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, echoing principles enshrined in the SCO Charter.
On the third pillar, Opportunity, PM Modi noted that India’s SCO presidency in 2023 had introduced new areas of cooperation including start-ups, traditional medicine, youth empowerment, digital inclusion, and Buddhist heritage. He proposed the creation of a Civilizational Dialogue Forum under the SCO to celebrate and share the region’s rich cultural traditions.
The Prime Minister also called for reforms in global institutions, particularly the United Nations, stressing that the aspirations of the Global South could not be confined to outdated frameworks. “The colourful dreams of the new generation cannot be displayed on a black-and-white screen. It is time to change the screen,” he said.
Welcoming new SCO initiatives on organized crime, drug trafficking, and cybersecurity, PM Modi urged the organization to take a guiding role in promoting multilateralism and an inclusive world order. He extended best wishes to Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov, the incoming SCO Chair.
Source: PMO
