01 September,2026 01:40 PM IST | Bishkek | mid-day online correspondent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pic/PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday reiterated India's position that conflicts and wars should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy rather than on the battlefield, warning that regional crises increasingly have consequences for countries far beyond the areas directly involved.
Addressing the 26th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Kyrgyzstan's Bishkek, PM Modi said the conflict in West Asia had demonstrated how instability in one region could affect global energy security, maritime trade and supply chains.
He said countries of the Global South were often among those most affected by such disruptions.
"In today's interconnected world, the scope of security has expanded even further. The crisis in West Asia has shown that conflict in one region is not confined to that region. It impacts the entire world's energy security, maritime trade, and supply chains. Countries in the Global South bear the brunt of this. Therefore, India has been calling for the resolution of all tensions and wars through dialogue and diplomacy, not on the battlefield," he said at SCO Summit.
The Prime Minister's remarks came against the backdrop of continuing geopolitical tensions and conflicts that have affected global trade routes, energy markets and supply chains.
Modi said the interconnected nature of the global economy meant that the consequences of armed conflicts could no longer be viewed as limited to individual regions.
Modi also described terrorism as a serious and continuing challenge to humanity, calling on SCO member states to take coordinated action against the broader networks that support terrorist activities.
"Terrorism continues to pose a serious challenge to humanity. In our fight against it, we cannot limit ourselves to a mindset of action and reaction. We must dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorist financing, recruitment, radicalisation, and safe havens," PM Modi said at SCO Summit.
"We must speak with one voice that there can be no room for double standards on this serious issue. Those countries which make terrorism a tool of their policy, provide shelter and support to terrorists, will have to be given a strong message that terrorism cannot be a strategic asset for anyone," he added.
The Prime Minister also flagged drug trafficking as a major threat to young people and regional security.
Modi welcomed the establishment of SCO centres aimed at addressing security threats, organised crime, information security and narcotics.
He described the initiative as a positive step but said the institutions needed to become effective mechanisms for practical coordination and timely action among member states.
The Prime Minister said security cooperation would remain an important part of the SCO's role as the organisation deals with challenges affecting the wider Eurasian region.
On regional connectivity, Modi said India supported initiatives aimed at connecting markets, facilitating trade and opening new opportunities for development.
However, he underlined that connectivity projects must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.
"Another foundation for our shared development is strong and reliable connectivity. India supports all efforts that connect markets, facilitate trade, and open new avenues for development. However, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries is essential in these efforts. This is also the core spirit of the SCO Charter," he said.
His remarks reflected India's long-standing position that regional infrastructure and connectivity initiatives should not undermine the sovereignty of any participating or affected country.
Modi said India had contributed to the development and humanitarian assistance of the people of Afghanistan and would continue to do so.
He outlined Security, Connectivity and Opportunity as the three main pillars of India's approach to the SCO.
"Over the past 25 years, the SCO has developed a strong tradition of dialogue and cooperation across the vast Eurasian region. Together, we have made valuable contributions to the well-being of our peoples and to the development of humanity. Over these 25 years, we have laid a strong foundation for cooperation. Now, in the coming twenty-five years, our goal must be to translate this cooperation into tangible results," he said.
(With inputs from IANS)
