Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Kyrgyzstan and called for stronger regional cooperation on security, connectivity and economic opportunities. His address came as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to affect global energy supplies and economies. PM Modi stressed the need for SCO members to turn their shared goals into practical and measurable outcomes.

The SCO was established in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan joined the grouping as full members in 2017. Iran became a full member in 2023, followed by Belarus in 2024. The 10-member grouping held this year's summit in an expanded ‘SCO-Plus’ format. Leaders from more than a dozen associated countries also took part. These included Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Mongolia, Laos and Togo.

Modi called for greater cooperation around the three main pillars of the SCO — security, connectivity and opportunity. He said the grouping must move beyond broad visions and focus on actions that deliver measurable results. He also placed the fight against terrorism at the centre of his address and called for a united regional approach.

The Prime Minister urged SCO members to target the entire ecosystem that supports terrorism. This includes terrorist financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens. He said countries must avoid double standards while dealing with terrorism. “We must speak with one voice that there can be no place for double standards on terrorism,” he said.

Modi also called for a strong stand against state-supported terrorism. He said terrorism must never become a strategic tool for any country. He urged the region to send a clear message to countries that use terrorism as an instrument of state policy or provide shelter and support to terrorists. “Countries that use terrorism as an instrument of state policy, or provide shelter and support to terrorists, must be sent a strong message: terrorism cannot be a strategic asset for anyone,” PM Modi was quoted as saying by ANI.

Afghanistan was another key issue in Modi's address. He stressed the importance of continued efforts to establish peace and stability in the country. He also called for development assistance and humanitarian support for the Afghan people. “Our shared aspiration for a peaceful and secure Eurasia is also linked to peace and stability in Afghanistan. India has been contributing to the development and humanitarian needs of the Afghan people and will continue to do so,” he said.

The Prime Minister also backed dialogue and diplomacy as the way to resolve regional conflicts. He said conflicts should not be allowed to escalate and pointed out that instability can affect energy security, maritime trade and global supply chains. “India has consistently maintained that the resolution of all tensions and conflicts lies not on the battlefield, but in dialogue and diplomacy,” he said.

Modi called for stronger regional action against drug trafficking, organised crime and other security threats. He stressed the need for better coordination between SCO mechanisms and timely action against such challenges. He said security cooperation must remain a key priority for the grouping.

Connectivity also featured prominently in his address. Modi called for reliable and inclusive connectivity among SCO members. He said such projects must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries and remain in line with the SCO Charter.

He also called for more efficient trade and logistics systems across the region. Modi highlighted the need to simplify customs procedures, increase the use of digital documentation and improve logistics networks. Such measures, he said, can make regional trade smoother and more efficient.

The Prime Minister said SCO cooperation should focus on creating tangible opportunities for people. He called for greater attention to groups such as young people, entrepreneurs, farmers and citizens. His message placed people at the centre of the organisation's wider regional cooperation efforts.

Modi also pushed for greater exchanges in areas such as youth, science, entrepreneurship and culture. He highlighted initiatives including the SCO Start-up Forum, Young Authors' Conclave and Young Scientists' Forum. He also referred to the proposed SCO Civilizational Dialogue Forum. Its first session is set to be held in India.

Through his address, Modi outlined a broader vision for the SCO based on stronger security cooperation, better connectivity and greater opportunities for people. He called on member states to work together against terrorism, drugs and organised crime while supporting peace and stability in Afghanistan. He also urged them to improve trade, logistics and regional exchanges. The Prime Minister's remarks focused on turning SCO cooperation into practical outcomes while strengthening ties across the region.