Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a resolute address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, advocating for a unified global front against terrorism. In the presence of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and other world leaders, Modi underscored the critical need to confront countries that utilize terrorism as a strategic instrument.
Rejecting Double Standards in Counter-Terrorism
During his speech, PM Modi explicitly condemned any 'double standards' in the battle against terrorism, urging all member nations to reject such approaches. He stressed that the international community cannot afford to be confined to a mere action-reaction framework when dealing with this complex threat.
Modi called for a comprehensive strategy to dismantle the entire ecosystem supporting terrorism. This includes targeting terrorist financing networks, recruitment efforts, radicalisation processes, and the provision of safe havens. He emphasized that the global community must speak with one voice to make it unequivocally clear that terrorism can never serve as a strategic asset for any nation.
Addressing Cross-Border Threats and Regional Conflicts
The Indian Prime Minister specifically highlighted the imperative to combat cross-border movement of terrorists, urging concerted efforts from all nations. He reiterated that providing support or sanctuary to terrorists is unacceptable and undermines global security.
Beyond terrorism, Modi also touched upon the broader implications of regional conflicts, specifically referencing the situation in West Asia. He noted that conflicts in one region inevitably impact global energy security, maritime trade, and supply chains. India, he stated, advocates for peaceful resolutions to such conflicts.
The summit concluded with the adoption of the Bishkek Declaration, alongside four memorandums of understanding and over 20 decisions covering various areas, including climate change, nuclear safety, energy conservation, and combating drug addiction.