Tianjin/ New Delhi: Delivering a stern message to “certain nations” that support terror outfits at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said peace and stability are the foundation of development, but terrorism remains a grave obstacle.
He questioned whether open support extended by some nations to terror groups could be tolerated any longer.
Speaking at the 25th SCO summit in China's Tianjin, where Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif was also in attendance, PM Modi underlined that "terrorism is not just a threat to the security of any one country, but to humanity as a whole".
“No nation, no society, no citizen can claim immunity from it. That is why India has always emphasized unity in the fight against terrorism,” he said, noting India’s efforts through SCO-RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure).
Referring to the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, PM Modi said India has suffered the "brunt of terrorism" for four decades. He thanked partner nations that stood by New Delhi in its fight.
Modi said the Pahalgam attack was not only an assault on India’s conscience but also an open challenge to every nation and individual who believes in humanity. "We must, in one clear and united voice, state that double standards on terrorism will not be tolerated,” he said.
PM Modi thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for the hospitality and extended greetings to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan on their national days.
“It gives me great pleasure to participate in the 25th SCO Summit. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to President Xi for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality. Today is Uzbekistan’s Independence Day, and yesterday was Kyrgyzstan’s National Day. On this occasion, I convey my best wishes and congratulations to the leaders of both nations,” he said.
Addressing the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, PM stressed India’s three-pillar vision for the grouping — Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity.
On regional connectivity, Modi highlighted projects such as the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor, while cautioning that all initiatives must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Prime Minister sent a strong message linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) without naming it directly. “Connectivity that bypasses sovereignty loses trust and meaning. Connectivity projects should respect the sovereignty of nations,” he said.
“Connectivity that bypasses sovereignty loses both trust and meaning,” he asserted.
Turning to opportunity, Modi said India had infused new energy into SCO cooperation under its chairmanship in 2023, introducing areas such as start-ups, innovation, youth empowerment, and shared Buddhist heritage. He proposed setting up a Civilizational Dialogue Forum to strengthen cultural ties.
On global reforms, Modi called for modernization of multilateral institutions, particularly the United Nations.
“Locking the aspirations of the Global South into outdated frameworks is grave injustice to future generations. The vibrant dreams of the new generation cannot be displayed on an old black-and-white screen. The screen must change,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister concluded by reiterating India’s commitment to cooperation within the SCO and extended best wishes to Kyrgyzstan’s President Japarov, who will take over as the next chair.
