The Prime Minister addressed the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, marking the grouping’s 25th anniversary. The statement outlined India’s approach to deepening cooperation among member nations across security, connectivity and development. The remarks come at a time when the region faces multiple challenges ranging from terrorism to supply chain disruptions.
What the Prime Minister emphasised
The Prime Minister structured his vision around three pillars: Security, Connectivity and Opportunity. On security, he stressed the need to dismantle the entire ecosystem supporting terrorism, including its financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens. He called for uniform standards in countering terrorism, arguing that no country should use militant groups as strategic assets.
He noted that drug trafficking poses a grave threat to youth and regional stability. The establishment of centres within SCO to address security challenges, organised crime, information security and narcotics was welcomed as a positive step requiring practical coordination.
On connectivity, the Prime Minister supported efforts to link markets and facilitate trade while emphasising respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity. He outlined the need to simplify customs processes, promote digital documentation and make logistics networks more efficient.
The third pillar—Opportunity—focuses on ensuring SCO cooperation directly benefits ordinary citizens. The Prime Minister stressed that success should be measured by new opportunities for youth, new markets for entrepreneurs, technology benefits for farmers and improved living standards for citizens.
He highlighted India’s initiatives including a Start-up Forum, Young Authors’ Conclave and Young Scientists’ Forum. He also announced that the SCO Civilizational Dialogue Forum, proposed by India last year, will hold its first session in India this year.
What this means for you
Ordinary citizens across SCO member states may see improved trade opportunities, easier movement across borders and better access to technology and markets through enhanced regional cooperation. Students and entrepreneurs could benefit from youth-focused initiatives and cross-border forums. The emphasis on people-to-people engagement suggests SCO cooperation will increasingly focus on direct benefits to citizens rather than remaining purely government-driven.