PM Modi Calls for Stronger SCO Cooperation on Security, Connectivity and Opportunity
The Voice of Chandigarh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for translating the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) vision into concrete outcomes, with a focus on security, connectivity and opportunity.
Addressing the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek, Modi said the SCO has built a strong foundation of dialogue and cooperation over the past 25 years and should now focus on delivering tangible benefits to its people over the next 25 years.
Highlighting India’s three-pillar vision for the SCO — “S” for Security, “C” for Connectivity and “O” for Opportunity — the Prime Minister said peace and security remain the foremost requirements for development.
On terrorism, Modi called for dismantling the entire ecosystem of terrorist financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens. He stressed that countries must speak with one voice and reject double standards in dealing with terrorism.
He also linked peace and stability in Eurasia with developments in Afghanistan and said India would continue contributing to development and humanitarian assistance for the Afghan people.
Referring to the ongoing crisis in West Asia, Modi said conflicts in one region can have global consequences, affecting energy security, maritime trade and supply chains. He reiterated India’s position that tensions and conflicts should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy rather than on the battlefield.
The Prime Minister also highlighted drug trafficking as a serious threat to young people and regional security. He welcomed the SCO’s initiatives to strengthen cooperation against security threats, organised crime, information security and narcotics.
On connectivity, Modi said India supports efforts to connect markets, facilitate trade and create new development opportunities. At the same time, he stressed that connectivity initiatives must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, in line with the SCO Charter.
He called for simpler customs procedures, greater use of digital documentation and more efficient logistics networks alongside the development of roads, railways and air corridors.
Under the third pillar, Opportunity, Modi emphasised the importance of people-to-people ties. He said SCO cooperation should create more opportunities for young people, open new markets for entrepreneurs, help farmers benefit from technology and improve the lives of citizens.
Highlighting India’s initiatives, he mentioned the SCO Start-up Forum, Young Authors’ Conclave and Young Scientists’ Forum. He also welcomed the upcoming first session of the SCO Civilizational Dialogue Forum, proposed by India last year, which will be held in India.
Referring to Kyrgyz literary figure Chingiz Aitmatov, Modi said the SCO should focus on what unites its members rather than what divides them.
He concluded by calling for the SCO to move “from shared geography to shared opportunities, from vision to outcomes, and from government-driven cooperation to people-driven partnership.”
