Prime Minister Modi Emphasizes Sovereignty in SCO Connectivity Discussions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has voiced support for enhanced economic connectivity and trade facilitation among member nations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). However, speaking at the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday, he underscored that such efforts must strictly respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all participating countries.

While Modi did not explicitly name specific projects during his address, the emphasis on sovereignty aligns with New Delhi's long-standing position against China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India has consistently maintained reservations regarding regional connectivity proposals that bypass sovereign principles.

Modi's remarks on trade and market integration formed the second pillar of India's three-part framework for the SCO, alongside security and opportunity. Addressing the wider geopolitical landscape, the Prime Minister drew attention to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, warning that regional hostilities no longer remain isolated incidents.

Highlighting the broader ramifications for the global economy, Modi noted that modern conflicts directly affect energy security, maritime trade, and international supply chains, placing a disproportionate burden on nations in the Global South. He reiterated New Delhi's stance that international tensions should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy rather than military action. These concerns carry particular weight for India regarding vital trade routes and cargo flows through areas like the Strait of Hormuz.

Turning to regional stability, the Prime Minister connected the security of the broader Eurasian region to peace in Afghanistan, confirming that India will sustain its humanitarian and development support for the Afghan population. On the critical issue of security and law enforcement, Modi called for a unified and robust response to terrorism that targets its underlying operational framework.

He urged member states to dismantle the complete ecosystem supporting terrorism, including its financial networks, recruitment channels, radicalisation efforts, and safe havens, while emphasizing that international cooperation must be free of double standards. Furthermore, Modi identified drug trafficking as a major threat to regional security and youth, advocating for stronger, practical coordination through existing SCO mechanisms to address organized crime and narcotics.

The ten-member SCO comprises India, China, Pakistan, Russia, Iran, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The summit gathered heads of state to discuss regional cooperation, economic integration, and security challenges.

"From a strategic business and macroeconomic perspective, geopolitical stability and respect for sovereignty are fundamental to securing cross-border trade, energy flows, and supply chain resilience. As leaders emphasize collaborative security and regional connectivity, businesses operating internationally must closely monitor trade policies, supply route vulnerabilities, and diplomatic developments that directly influence global markets and operational costs." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes