Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, emphasizing the need to dismantle terrorism financing and reject double standards. He also advocated for dialogue in global conflicts and stressed that connectivity projects must respect national sovereignty.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek on Tuesday, calling for a united front to dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorism and its financing. Speaking before regional leaders, including Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, the prime minister stated that there is no room for double standards in combating the threat of terrorism.

New Delhi's persistent diplomatic efforts to address cross-border terrorism provided significant context for the prime minister's remarks. Modi emphasized that nations must speak in one voice against the menace, stating that the regional organization must work collectively to cut off terrorist financing networks.

Shifting focus to international geopolitics, Modi addressed ongoing global conflicts, maintaining that wars cannot yield solutions on battlefields. He reiterated India's stance that all conflicts must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.

On regional infrastructure and economic integration, Modi noted that India supports initiatives that connect markets, facilitate trade, and open pathways for development. However, he added a crucial caveat regarding connectivity projects, stating they must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all participating countries. This remark is seen as an indirect reference to China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Highlighting India's broader diplomatic framework, Modi described the SCO as a confluence of civilization, culture, and ideas. He outlined the three main pillars of India's vision for the organization as security, connectivity, and opportunity.

"Prime Minister Modi's address at the SCO summit underscores the critical intersections of regional security, international trade, and infrastructure development. For businesses operating in cross-border markets, geopolitical stability, respect for territorial sovereignty, and predictable trade pathways are foundational to long-term economic planning. Security and connectivity remain vital pillars not just for state diplomacy, but for building reliable and resilient economic frameworks across regions." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes

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