PM Modi Warns SCO Against Terror as Strategic Asset
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Shanghai Cooperation Organisation members to reject the use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy, warning that no country should be allowed to treat terror groups as strategic assets. His remarks came as Pakistan assumed the rotating SCO chairmanship from Kyrgyzstan.
Modi Says Terrorism Cannot Be Strategic Asset
Addressing the SCO summit in Bishkek with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif present, Modi called for a strong collective message to countries that shelter, finance or support terrorist organisations.
He said the fight against terrorism must go beyond responding to individual attacks and instead target the entire ecosystem supporting extremist groups.
Modi identified terror financing, recruitment networks, radicalisation and safe havens as areas requiring coordinated action and warned against applying double standards when dealing with terrorism.
He did not directly name Pakistan during his speech.
Pakistan Takes Over SCO Chairmanship
Pakistan has assumed the SCO’s rotating chairmanship from Kyrgyzstan and is expected to host the organisation’s heads-of-state summit in 2027.
As chair, Islamabad will be responsible for coordinating major SCO meetings and setting parts of the organisation’s agenda during the coming year.
India and Pakistan both became full SCO members in 2017.
Modi Stresses Sovereignty in Connectivity Projects
Modi also reiterated India’s position that regional connectivity initiatives must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of participating countries.
He said stronger connectivity could expand trade, open new markets and create economic opportunities, but argued that such projects must remain consistent with the fundamental principles of the SCO Charter.
Modi also called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve international conflicts, saying instability in West Asia and other regions was disrupting energy security, maritime trade and global supply chains.
