Addressing the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for the complete dismantling of the terrorism ecosystem and urged countries to resolve conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.
Bishkek: Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a strong message on terrorism, regional conflicts and economic cooperation at the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Tuesday.
With Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif among the leaders attending the summit, Modi called for a united approach against terrorism and warned against double standards in dealing with the threat.
He said the entire ecosystem supporting terrorism—including its financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens—must be dismantled.
PM Modi’s Strong Message on Terrorism
Terrorism was one of the central themes of Modi’s address.
The Prime Minister said the SCO must speak with one voice against terrorism and rejected selective approaches to tackling the threat.
India has consistently maintained that terrorism cannot be separated into different categories depending on who carries it out or where it originates.
Modi’s remarks at the summit came in the presence of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, adding significance to New Delhi’s position on cross-border terrorism.
‘No Solution on Battlefield’: Modi Pushes for Dialogue
The Prime Minister also addressed the wider issue of global conflicts.
Modi said wars and conflicts must ultimately be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, arguing that lasting solutions cannot be found on battlefields.
His remarks come at a time when multiple conflicts and geopolitical tensions are affecting energy security, international trade and global supply chains.
India has repeatedly advocated dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred route for resolving international disputes while maintaining its independent foreign-policy position.
Modi’s Three-Pillar Vision for SCO
The Prime Minister based India’s approach to the SCO around three broad pillars:
Security, Connectivity and Opportunity.
According to Modi, these three areas should guide cooperation among SCO members and deliver tangible benefits to ordinary citizens.
He argued that SCO cooperation should become increasingly people-centric rather than being driven only by governments.
Connectivity Must Respect Sovereignty
Connectivity was another major focus of Modi’s speech.
He said roads, railways and air corridors would become increasingly important for regional cooperation but stressed that connectivity projects must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.
India has previously raised concerns about connectivity initiatives that do not adequately respect the sovereignty of participating nations.
Modi also called for simpler customs procedures, greater use of digital documentation and more efficient logistics networks to facilitate regional trade.
Focus on Youth, Startups and New Opportunities
The Prime Minister also highlighted the economic and social potential of SCO cooperation.
He said the success of the organisation should be measured by the opportunities it creates for young people, entrepreneurs and farmers.
India has proposed greater cooperation in areas including startups, science, technology and cultural exchanges.
Initiatives such as the SCO Start-up Forum, Young Scientists’ Forum and Young Authors’ Conclave were highlighted as examples of people-to-people cooperation.
Afghanistan Also on India’s Agenda
Modi also stressed the importance of peace and stability in Afghanistan.
India has continued to support humanitarian assistance and development-related engagement with the Afghan people.
The Prime Minister said regional stability requires continued cooperation and support for Afghanistan’s people.
Modi Meets Xi, Putin and Iran’s President
The SCO summit also provided an opportunity for India to engage directly with several major world leaders.
Modi was seen interacting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the summit.
He also held a bilateral meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. During that meeting, Modi stressed the importance of peace, freedom of navigation and protecting civilians and commercial shipping amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.
Why Modi’s SCO Speech Matters
India’s message at the summit reflects New Delhi’s attempt to balance security concerns with economic and diplomatic priorities.
On terrorism, India is pushing for a unified international response with no selective standards.
On conflicts, New Delhi continues to advocate dialogue and diplomacy.
On connectivity, India wants greater regional integration while emphasising sovereignty and territorial integrity.
And on economic cooperation, India is pushing for greater opportunities for its youth, businesses and citizens.
Key Takeaway
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s SCO Summit 2026 speech placed terrorism, peace, connectivity and economic opportunity at the centre of India’s regional agenda.
His strongest message was on terrorism: the entire ecosystem supporting terror must be dismantled and there should be no double standards in the global fight against it.
At the same time, Modi urged SCO members to pursue dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts and build a more connected and prosperous region.
