Modi urges zero tolerance for terrorism at SCO summit in Bishkek

At the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for an uncompromising approach to terrorism, insisting that no nation should apply double standards in combating it. He urged the elimination of every element that sustains terror, from funding and recruitment to radicalisation and safe havens, and said countries that shelter terrorists must be sent a strong message. Modi presented India’s SCO agenda as built on security, connectivity and opportunity, highlighting peace in Eurasia and ongoing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.

He warned that crises in one region ripple through global energy security, maritime trade and supply chains, affecting the Global South the most. The prime minister also flagged drug trafficking as a serious threat to youth and regional stability, calling for robust SCO cooperation on security, organised crime and narcotics. He concluded by stressing that the summit’s success should be measured by tangible benefits for citizens, such as new markets for entrepreneurs and improved livelihoods for farmers.