Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit carried a powerful message of peace, sovereignty, and uncompromising action against terrorism. Speaking in the presence of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping, PM Modi reminded the member nations that no development can take root without respecting territorial sovereignty and eliminating the menace of terrorism. His speech not only reflected India’s firm stance but also highlighted the broader vision of cooperation, connectivity, and opportunity within the SCO framework.
India’s Stand on Terrorism: No Double Standards
PM Modi strongly emphasized that terrorism is a threat not just to one nation, but to humanity as a whole. With Pakistan’s history of sponsoring terror activities looming in the backdrop, Modi’s words carried both subtle and direct weight.
The Prime Minister recalled the recent Pahalgam terror attack, describing it as a reminder of the destructive impact of terrorism. He said:
“No double standards are acceptable when it comes to terrorism. Every form of terrorism—be it state-sponsored, separatist, or ideological—must be condemned unanimously.”
By calling out the duplicity of nations that justify or openly support terror groups, Modi reinforced India’s long-standing demand for global cooperation in counter-terrorism. He reminded the SCO nations of India’s active role in tackling groups like Al-Qaeda and raising its voice against terror financing, which remains the lifeline of extremist organizations.
The Prime Minister lauded the SCO for acting as a platform to bring together Eurasia’s extended family of nations. With a membership that includes countries like Russia, China, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, the SCO has evolved into a critical regional bloc for addressing security, economic, and political issues.
PM Modi underlined that India has always been a constructive contributor within the SCO. He introduced a new vision for the organization with a fresh acronym:
S – Security C – Connectivity O – Opportunity
This reframing is symbolic of India’s pragmatic approach to global partnerships—ensuring that mutual trust, shared goals, and sustainable growth remain at the center of international cooperation.
Connectivity and Sovereignty: A Subtle Warning to China and Pakistan
Connectivity was a core theme in Modi’s address. He cautioned that “Connectivity that bypasses sovereignty loses trust and meaning.” This was a clear reference to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a project that passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, violating India’s sovereignty.
India’s stance was made crystal clear: developmental projects cannot come at the cost of national integrity. By voicing this concern on an international platform, Modi signaled India’s firm opposition to projects that disregard territorial boundaries.
At the same time, the Prime Minister highlighted positive initiatives like the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor, projects aimed at enhancing trade routes between India, Central Asia, and Afghanistan. These projects reflect India’s belief in inclusive, trust-based connectivity that fosters growth for all partners.
The mention of the Pahalgam terror attack added emotional weight to Modi’s speech. He described the attack as not just an assault on India, but on humanity itself. His words underscored the urgency of a unified global response against terror networks. Modi posed a critical question to the SCO leaders: “Can open support of terrorism by some countries ever be acceptable to us?” The rhetorical nature of this question highlighted India’s frustration with nations that continue to provide political, military, or financial shelter to extremist groups.
India’s Call for Civilizational Dialogue
Another notable proposal from PM Modi was the idea of creating a Civilizational Dialogue Forum under the SCO umbrella. By suggesting this, he reminded member nations of the rich cultural and historical bonds that unite them. India, being the birthplace of ancient philosophies, trade systems, and spiritual traditions, has always advocated for dialogue rooted in civilizational values. This proposal aims to strengthen mutual respect and understanding among SCO nations, promoting harmony beyond political and economic agreements.
PM Modi underlined that peace, security, and stability are the foundations of development, but terrorism, separatism, and extremism remain major obstacles. His words were a reminder that no society or country is immune from the devastating effects of extremism.
India’s initiatives such as the Joint Information Operation against Al-Qaeda and campaigns against terror financing show its commitment to being at the forefront of counter-terror strategies. Modi’s address urged SCO nations to take collective responsibility for combating extremism, organized crime, drug trafficking, and cybersecurity threats.
Reforms in SCO: India’s Support for Modernization
Recognizing the need for modernization, Modi welcomed the SCO’s initiatives to create four new centers dedicated to addressing pressing challenges such as organized crime, drug smuggling, and digital security. He linked this reformist approach to India’s own mantra of “Reform, Perform, Transform”, which has guided India’s governance model under his leadership. By sharing India’s developmental journey, Modi extended an open invitation to SCO members to partner in India’s economic growth story.
India’s geographic and cultural position allows it to serve as a bridge between South Asia, Central Asia, and Eurasia. Through projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor, India envisions a future where trade routes open new opportunities for growth.
PM Modi stressed that India’s commitment to connectivity is inclusive and respectful of sovereignty. This distinction sets India’s projects apart from those that bypass territorial integrity, positioning the country as a trustworthy partner. Prime Minister Modi’s speech at the SCO Summit was a blend of firmness and vision. He called out the dangers of terrorism, emphasized respect for sovereignty, and urged member nations to seize opportunities for growth through trusted connectivity.
By balancing security concerns with a forward-looking vision for cooperation, Modi successfully positioned India as a responsible global leader. His emphasis on no double standards in terrorism, coupled with his advocacy for inclusive connectivity and reforms, resonated as a guiding path for the SCO’s future. The address reaffirmed that India stands ready to lead by example, bridging divides and championing unity for the greater good of humanity.
