PM Modi at SCO Summit: Countries backing terrorism must get ‘firm message’
PM Modi also warned that conflicts such as the West Asia crisis can disrupt energy security, maritime trade and supply chains
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (September 1) said at the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek that countries supporting terrorism must send a clear message that they cannot be a “strategic asset” to anyone.
PM Modi made the remarks during the roundtable discussion. It was also attended by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and leaders.
‘Terror can’t be strategic asset’
“We must speak with one voice that there can be no room for double standards on this serious issue. Countries that use terrorism as an instrument of policy, and that provide shelter and support to terrorists, must be given a firm message: terrorism cannot be a strategic asset for anyone," said PM Modi as quoted by India Today.
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As for the security concerns in the region, the Prime Minister said that the “perimeter of security” has become wider as the world has become increasingly interconnected.
“In today's interconnected world, the perimeter of security has grown even wider. The crisis in West Asia has shown that conflict in one region does not remain confined to that region alone... its effects are felt across the world's energy security, maritime trade, and supply chains,” he added.
‘India backs dialogue, diplomacy’
PM Modi said countries in the Global South face the highest cost when conflicts continue and reiterated India's call for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve wars and tensions.
“Countries of the Global South bear the heaviest cost of this. That is why India has consistently called for all tensions and wars to be resolved not on the battlefield, but through dialogue and diplomacy,” he said.
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PM Modi welcomed the SCO centres being set up to deal with security threats, organised crime, information security and narcotics.
“The Centres being established under the SCO to tackle challenges such as security threats, organised crime, information security, and narcotics are a positive step. We must make these effective instruments of practical coordination and timely action,” he said.
Connectivity focus at SCO
“India supports all efforts that connect markets, ease trade, and open new pathways to development. However, it is equally essential that these efforts respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations... this is also the core spirit of the SCO Charter,” added PM Modi.
He said connectivity would also cover areas beyond roads, railways and air routes.
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According to PM Modi, customs procedures, digital documents and logistics would also need to become easier as regional links expand.
“In the times ahead, the scope of connectivity will grow even wider. Alongside roads, railways, and air corridors, we must simplify customs processes, promote digital documentation, and make logistics networks more efficient,” PM Modi said.
PM Modi stresses 'opportunity'
The Prime Minister then spoke about “opportunity”, which he described as the third pillar of India's approach to the SCO.
“The third pillar is Opportunity. This means that the benefits of SCO cooperation must reach our people directly. Our greatest asset is the bond between our people,” he said.
“For India, the SCO is a confluence of great civilisations, cultures, and ideas. In the SCO's next twenty-five years, people-to-people ties must remain at the heart of our cooperation,” added the PM.