‘Dismantle entire terror ecosystem’: Modi’s strong message at SCO Summit in Shehbaz’s presence

Modi made the remarks while addressing the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, in the presence of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He stressed that there should be no "double standards" in the fight against terrorism.

"Key to realising the SCO vision is fighting the menace of terrorism. We must dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorist financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens," Modi said.

He further said that countries that use terrorism as an instrument of state policy or provide shelter and support to terrorists must be given a strong message.

"Countries that use terrorism as an instrument of state policy and provide shelter and support to terrorists must receive a strong message that terrorism can never be a strategic asset," the Prime Minister said.

PM Modi delivering his address. Photo: Narendra Modi/X

Modi also called for a collective approach against terrorism, saying there could be no room for selective or inconsistent responses to the threat. He described terrorism as a serious challenge to humanity and stressed the need to move beyond an "action-reaction" approach.

The Prime Minister also advocated dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts, saying there is no solution on the battlefield and that wars and conflicts must ultimately be addressed through peaceful means.

Push for connectivity and trade

Beyond security concerns, Modi highlighted connectivity, trade and economic cooperation as key to the SCO's long-term vision.

"Strong and reliable connectivity further shared development. India supports all initiatives that connect markets, facilitate trade and open new avenues for development," he said.

India's priorities at the summit also include strengthening regional connectivity, energy security, countering terror financing and radicalisation, combating drug trafficking and expanding economic opportunities across the Eurasian region.

Modi's participation in the summit comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions, including conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine. On the sidelines of the SCO meeting, he held bilateral discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

PM Modi at SCO Summit. Photo: Narendra Modi/X

During his meeting with Pezeshkian, Modi emphasised the importance of freedom of navigation and the safety of civilians, commercial shipping and seafarers amid tensions affecting regional trade and energy routes.

In his interaction with Putin, Modi reiterated India's support for efforts aimed at bringing the Ukraine conflict to an end and stressed the importance of peace and dialogue.

The 26th SCO Summit brings together leaders from across the Eurasian region, with security, connectivity, economic cooperation and regional stability among the key issues on the agenda.