Wars and tensions must be resolved through dialogue, not battlefields: PM Modi at SCO Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday reiterated Indias 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 involvedAddressing the 26th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation SCO in Kyrgyzstans 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 chainsHe said countries of the Global South were often among those most affected by such disruptionsWest Asia conflict has global consequences PM ModiIn todays 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 worlds 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 SummitThe Prime Ministers remarks came against the backdrop of continuing geopolitical tensions and conflicts that have affected global trade routes energy markets and supply chainsModi said the interconnected nature of the global economy meant that the consequences of armed conflicts could no longer be viewed as limited to individual regionsPM raises concerns over terrorism and drug traffickingModi 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 activitiesTerrorism 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 SummitWe 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 addedThe Prime Minister also flagged drug trafficking as a major threat to young people and regional securitySCO security centres need effective coordinationModi welcomed the establishment of SCO centres aimed at addressing security threats organised crime information security and narcoticsHe described the initiative as a positive step but said the institutions needed to become effective mechanisms for practical coordination and timely action among member statesThe Prime Minister said security cooperation would remain an important part of the SCOs role as the organisation deals with challenges affecting the wider Eurasian regionIndia backs connectivity while stressing sovereigntyOn regional connectivity Modi said India supported initiatives aimed at connecting markets facilitating trade and opening new opportunities for developmentHowever he underlined that connectivity projects must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countriesAnother 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 saidHis remarks reflected Indias longstanding position that regional infrastructure and connectivity initiatives should not undermine the sovereignty of any participating or affected countryIndia reiterates support for AfghanistanModi said India had contributed to the development and humanitarian assistance of the people of Afghanistan and would continue to do soHe outlined Security Connectivity and Opportunity as the three main pillars of Indias approach to the SCOOver 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 wellbeing 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 twentyfive years our goal must be to translate this cooperation into tangible results he saidWith inputs from IANS