NEW DELHI: In a virtual address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for united efforts in the fight against terrorism and urged SCO countries to condemn nations that employ cross-border terrorism and provide safe havens for terrorists.

While he did not directly name any country, his statement was seen as a veiled reference to Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif was also in attendance.

During his speech, Prime Minister Modi emphasised that terrorism poses a significant threat to regional and global peace and must be combated collectively.

He expressed concern over certain countries utilizing cross-border terrorism as a tool of their policies and providing shelter to terrorists, emphasising the need for the SCO to address this issue.

PM Modi urged SCO nations to exhibit no double standards in their stance on terrorism and called for an unequivocal condemnation of countries supporting such activities.

#SCO | Some countries use CROSS-BORDER TERRORISM as instrument of their policies. SCO should not hesitate in criticizing such countries: PM Modi’s makes strong statement against cross-border terrorism in the presence of Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif, reports @urvashikhona pic.twitter.com/vCSN0QvEP8

— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) July 4, 2023

“Terrorism is a threat to regional and global peace. We will have to fight against terrorism…Some countries use cross-border terrorism as an instrument of their policies and give shelter to terrorists. SCO should not hesitate to criticise such countries. SCO countries should condemn it. There should be no double standards on terrorism,” PM Modi said.

PM Modi stressed that India sees the SCO as an extended family and highlighted the pillars of their vision for the organisation, including security, economic development, connectivity, unity, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and environmental protection.

“We do not see the SCO as an extended neighbourhood, but rather as an extended family. Security, economic development, connectivity, unity, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and environmental protection are the pillars of our vision for SCO,” PM Modi said.

The SCO summit also aimed to expand the influence of the Eurasian group by exploring the inclusion of Iran and providing a pathway to membership for Belarus.

President Xi Jinping of China and Russian leader Vladimir Putin were among the participants, with this being Putin’s first appearance at an international event following the recent incident involving the Wagner mercenary group.

PM Modi also addressed the security implications of the situation in Afghanistan, stating that it directly affects the security of all SCO member countries.

#SCO | PM Modi cautioned SCO nations against misuse of Afghan territory for breeding terror and encouraging radicalization, reports @urvashikhona

He also appealed to SCO members to actively work towards the welfare of Afghanistan. pic.twitter.com/FIQNdkq0DL

— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) July 4, 2023

He emphasised that India shares the concerns and expectations of most SCO nations regarding Afghanistan.

PM Modi called for collaborative efforts to ensure the welfare of the Afghan people and stressed the importance of preventing Afghanistan’s territory from being exploited to spread unrest in neighbouring nations or promote extremist ideologies.

“The situation in Afghanistan has had a direct impact on the security of all of us (countries). India’s concerns and expectations regarding Afghanistan are the same as most of the SCO Member countries,” he said.

“We have to make united efforts for the welfare of the people of Afghanistan…It is important that the land of Afghanistan is not used to spread unrest in neighbouring nations or promote extremist ideologies,” PM Modi added.

PM Modi also welcomed Iran as the new member of the organisation.

“I am happy that today Iran is going to join the SCO family as a new member. For this, I convey my best wishes to President Ebrahim Raisi and the people of Iran. Also, we welcome the signing of the memorandum of obligation for Belarus’ SCO membership,” PM Modi said.

“Strong connectivity is crucial for the progress of any region. Better connectivity not only enhances mutual trade but also fosters mutual trust. Following Iran’s membership in the SCO, we can work towards maximising the utilisation of the Chabahar Port. The International North-South Transport Corridor can serve as a secure and efficient route for landlocked countries in Central Asia to access the Indian Ocean. We should strive to realise its full potential,” he added.

Established in 2001, the SCO comprises China, Russia, and former Soviet Central Asian states, and later welcomed India and Pakistan as members. The organisation serves as a political and security group aimed at countering Western influence in Eurasia.

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