Priority must naturally be given to combating terrorism, because if left unchecked, it can become a major threat to regional and global peace, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Kazakhstan's Astana on Thursday.
PM Modi did not attend the summit. On his behalf, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is leading the Indian delegation at the 24th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State, delivered the speech.
In his remarks, the Prime Minister congratulated Iran for attending the summit as a member and expressed his condolences for the tragic demise of President Raisi and others in the helicopter crash. He also congratulated Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and welcomed Belarus as the new member of SCO.
PM Modi’s Speech At SEO Summit: Top Points
Calling SCO a principle-based organization whose consensus drives the approach of its member states, PM Modi stated, "At this time, it is particularly noteworthy that we are reiterating mutual respect for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, equality, mutual benefit, non-interference in internal affairs, non-use of force or threat of use of force as a basis for our foreign policies. We have also agreed not to take any measures contrary to the principles of state sovereignty and territorial integrity."
The Prime Minister called for action by the global community to combat terrorism, which he termed as one of the original goals of the SCO. He asserted that cross-border terrorism requires a decisive response and terrorism financing and recruitment must be resolutely countered.
"While doing so, priority must naturally be given to combating terrorism, one of the original goals of the SCO. Many of us have had our experiences, often originating beyond our borders. Let us be clear that if left unchecked, it can become a major threat to regional and global peace. Terrorism in any form or manifestation cannot be justified or condoned,” PM Modi said.
"International community must isolate and expose those countries that harbour terrorists, provide safe havens and condone terrorism. Cross-border terrorism requires a decisive response and terrorism financing and recruitment must be resolutely countered. We should also take proactive steps to prevent the spread of radicalization among our youth. The Joint Statement issued during India's Presidency last year on this subject underlines our shared commitment," Modi added.
PM Modi noted that climate change is another prominent concern for member countries.
“We are working towards achieving committed reduction in emissions, including the transition to alternate fuels, adoption of electric vehicles, and building climate-resilient infrastructure. In this context, during India's SCO presidency, a Joint Statement on emerging fuels, and a Concept Paper on de-carbonization in the transportation sector were approved,” he said.
Recalling that India became a member of SCO under Kazakhstan's Presidency in 2017, PM Modi said, "India recalls with appreciation that its admission as a Member of SCO took place during the 2017 Kazakh Presidency. Since then, we have completed one full cycle of presidencies in SCO. India hosted both the Council of Heads of Government Meeting in 2020, as well as the Council of Heads of State Meeting in 2023. The SCO occupies a prominent place in our foreign policy."
About SEO Summit
The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The economic and security bloc comprises of India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.