Bishkek, September 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday reiterated India’s call for resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, saying wars should not be settled on the battlefield.
Addressing the 26th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Bishkek, Modi said the conflict in West Asia had consequences far beyond the region, affecting global energy security, maritime trade and supply chains.
“In today’s interconnected world, the scope of security has expanded even further. The crisis in West Asia has shown that conflict in one region is not confined to that region. It impacts the entire world’s energy security, maritime trade, and supply chains. Countries in the Global South bear the brunt of this. Therefore, India has been calling for the resolution of all tensions and wars through dialogue and diplomacy, not on the battlefield,” he said.
The Prime Minister also described drug trafficking as a serious threat to young people and regional security. He welcomed the SCO’s efforts to establish centres addressing security threats, organised crime, information security and narcotics, calling for these mechanisms to become effective platforms for practical coordination and timely action.
On connectivity, Modi said India supported initiatives aimed at linking markets, facilitating trade and creating new development opportunities. At the same time, he stressed that such efforts must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, describing this principle as central to the SCO Charter.
Terrorism was another major focus of his address. Modi called for dismantling the broader ecosystem supporting terrorism, including financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens.
“Terrorism continues to pose a serious challenge to humanity,” he said, stressing that there could be “no room for double standards” in tackling the threat.
He said countries that use terrorism as a policy instrument or provide shelter and support to terrorists must receive a strong message that terrorism cannot become a strategic asset for any country.
Modi also reaffirmed India’s commitment to contributing to Afghanistan’s development and providing humanitarian assistance to its people.
Outlining India’s priorities within the SCO, the Prime Minister identified Security, Connectivity and Opportunity as the three main pillars of the country’s approach.
Reflecting on the organisation’s 25-year journey, Modi said the SCO had developed a strong tradition of dialogue and cooperation across Eurasia. He called for the next 25 years to focus on converting that cooperation into tangible outcomes benefiting member countries and their people.
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