In a landmark development, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) adopted the New Delhi Declaration, cementing its commitment to combating terrorism and capitalizing on the digital age. This decisive step propels the bloc towards enhanced collaboration among member states.

"As the outcome of the Summit, the leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration and two thematic joint statements - one on cooperation in countering the radicalization leading to separatism, extremism, and terrorism and the second one cooperation in the field of digital transformation," Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said after SCO Summit.

The Delhi Declaration, a comprehensive framework, outlines the Member States’ intent to strengthen cooperation across various domains such as politics, security, trade, economy, finance, investment, culture, and humanitarian ties. This effort aims to build a peaceful, safe, prosperous, and environmentally sustainable planet Earth, fostering harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.

The development of collaborative, coordinated efforts by the world community to oppose the activities of terrorist, separatist, and extremist groups is of particular importance to the members. The declaration emphasizes the need to stop the rise of chauvinism, strong nationalism, racial and ethnic prejudice, xenophobia, and religious intolerance.

They agreed to continue a productive discourse and expand their multifaceted cooperation by reiterating their commitment to peace, shared development, and equal relations based on respect, friendship, and good neighbourliness.

Russian President Vladimir Putin during his address at the SCO Summit underlined the need for counter-terrorism and supported the New Delhi Declaration. “Russia supports the New Delhi declaration which gives a consolidated approach to international issues. We will continue to strengthen ties with SCO member states,” he said.

During his virtual address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "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 criticize such countries. SCO countries should condemn it. There should be no double standards on terrorism," Modi said at the SCO Summit, hosted by India, without naming any country.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also present at the virtual SCO Summit.

"We do not see the SCO as an extended neighborhood, 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," Modi said.

Image source: ANI