Tianjin [China], September 1 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that India’s vision for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is guided by three pillars: Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity. He underscored the importance of security, peace, and stability for national growth, highlighted India’s connectivity initiatives for Afghanistan and Central Asia, and proposed the creation of a Civilisational Dialogue Forum to showcase the cultural heritage of SCO member countries.
Addressing the 25th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO in Tianjin, PM Modi said, “As an active and committed member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), India has consistently played a constructive and positive role in advancing the organisation’s objectives. India’s engagement within the SCO framework is guided by three key pillars: S – Security, C – Connectivity, and O – Opportunity.”
On the security front, he stressed that peace and stability form the foundation for a nation’s progress. “Achieving these goals is often hindered by significant challenges, such as terrorism and separatism. Terrorism is not merely a threat to the security of individual states but a grave challenge to humanity as a whole.” He referred to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, saying, “India has been bearing the brunt of terrorism for the last four decades. Recently, we saw the worst side of terrorism in Pahalgam. I express my gratitude to the friendly countries that stood with us in this hour of grief.”
Regarding connectivity, PM Modi highlighted key projects, stating, “India has always believed that strong connectivity not only boosts trade but also opens doors to growth and trust. With this in mind, we are working on initiatives like the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor. This will help us improve connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia.”
On the pillar of opportunity, he noted that India’s SCO presidency in 2023 brought new areas of cooperation, including startups, innovation, youth empowerment, digital inclusion, and shared Buddhist heritage. “Our effort was to expand SCO’s ambit beyond governments,” PM Modi said. He also suggested establishing a Civilisational Dialogue Forum to share India’s ancient civilizations, arts, literature, and traditions with the world.
Earlier, PM Modi, President Vladimir Putin, and President Xi Jinping shared a light moment before the plenary session. PM Modi will later hold a bilateral meeting with Putin. On Sunday, he held talks with Xi Jinping, during which both leaders reaffirmed that India and China are development partners, not rivals, and emphasized the need for stable, cooperative relations based on mutual respect, interest, and sensitivity.
The SCO Summit this year is taking place in the port city of Tianjin. In addition to India, the SCO comprises Belarus, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, along with several dialogue partners and observers. India has been a member since 2017, having been an observer since 2005. During its membership, India has chaired the SCO Council of Heads of Government in 2020 and the SCO Council of Heads of State from 2022 to 2023, articulating priorities focused on security, economic development, connectivity, unity, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and environmental protection.
India’s presidency of the SCO in 2022–2023 also introduced five new verticals—startups and innovation, traditional medicine, science and technology, youth empowerment, and shared Buddhist heritage—opening new avenues to enrich the organization’s agenda. (ANI)
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