Bishkek, September 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called on Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states to translate their shared vision for security, connectivity and opportunity into measurable outcomes, saying the grouping must build a roadmap for the next 25 years.
Addressing the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek, Modi said the organisation’s 25th anniversary provided an opportunity to strengthen the tradition of dialogue and cooperation established over the past quarter century.
“At the previous meeting, I had outlined the three main pillars of India’s vision for the SCO: S – Security, C – Connectivity, and O – Opportunity. The time has come to move these three pillars beyond vision and translate them into concrete outcomes,” he said.
He identified peace and security as the foremost requirement and called for a comprehensive approach to combating terrorism. Modi said the SCO must work to dismantle terrorist financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens, while maintaining that there should be no double standards in dealing with terrorism.
The Prime Minister also linked regional security to developments in West Asia, saying conflicts in one part of the world can disrupt energy security, maritime trade and global supply chains. He reiterated India’s position that tensions and conflicts should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy rather than on the battlefield.
Modi said peace and stability in Afghanistan were closely connected with security across Eurasia. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to contributing to Afghanistan’s development and providing humanitarian assistance to its people.
On connectivity, he said reliable and trusted networks were essential for shared prosperity and urged SCO members to transform their common geography into opportunities for development. India supports initiatives that connect markets and facilitate trade, he said, while stressing that sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected.
Turning to the third pillar, opportunity, Modi emphasised technology, entrepreneurship, innovation, start-ups and people-to-people exchanges. He said SCO cooperation should extend beyond governments and place people at its centre.
He welcomed Kyrgyzstan’s emphasis on youth engagement and highlighted India’s initiatives, including the SCO Start-up Forum, Young Authors’ Conclave and Young Scientists’ Forum.
Modi also recalled India’s proposal last year for an SCO Civilizational Dialogue Forum, saying its first session would be held in India this year.
“From shared geography to shared opportunities, from vision to outcomes, and from government-driven cooperation to people-driven partnership,” Modi said, expressing India’s readiness to contribute to the SCO’s collective journey.
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