PM Modi Participates in Key Eurasian Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), held in Tianjin, China, from August 31 to September 1, 2025. Expressing gratitude to President Xi Jinping for warm hospitality, Modi joined leaders as the summit coincided with Uzbekistan’s Independence Day and Kyrgyzstan’s National Day, extending heartfelt congratulations to both nations.
Emphasis on Security: Standing United Against Terrorism
Addressing the gathering, Modi highlighted India’s proactive engagement within the SCO over the past twenty-four years, focusing on the three-pillar approach of Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity. He underlined that security, peace, and stability are fundamental to development, stressing the persistent dangers posed by terrorism, separatism, and extremism. “Terrorism is a shared challenge to humanity—no nation, society, or citizen is immune,” he asserted, urgent about unified action.
Modi cited the significant role of the SCO-Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO-RATS), India’s lead in the Joint Information Operation against “Al-Qaeda” and affiliated groups, and proposals for greater coordination against radicalization and terror financing. Referring to the tragic Pahalgam attack, Modi thanked friendly nations for their solidarity and insisted on zero tolerance for double standards in addressing terrorism, calling for accountability of countries supporting cross-border terror.
Connectivity: Trust Through Infrastructure & Trade
On the pillar of Connectivity, Modi emphasized its importance beyond commerce, as a tool for fostering trust and development. He reiterated India’s support for projects like the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor, aimed at deepening linkages with Afghanistan and Central Asia. Modi also affirmed that connectivity initiatives must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity—core principles of the SCO Charter.
Opportunities: Cooperation, Reform & Shared Heritage
Shifting to the Opportunity pillar, Modi reflected on India’s presidency in 2023, which energized the group with new initiatives in start-ups, innovation, traditional medicine, youth empowerment, digital inclusion, and celebrating shared Buddhist heritage. He proposed launching a Civilizational Dialogue Forum under the SCO to enrich mutual understanding and showcase ancient civilizations, arts, and traditions.
Modi also highlighted India’s transformation agenda—“Reform, Perform, and Transform”—and invited SCO members to join India’s development journey, noting the country’s persistent reforms and conversion of challenges into opportunities.
Reform-Oriented SCO: A Vision for Inclusive Multilateralism
Welcoming new centres to tackle organized crime, drug trafficking, and cyber security, Modi encouraged the group’s reform-oriented approach and called for similar resolve in reforming multilateral bodies such as the United Nations. He noted that confining the Global South’s aspirations to outdated frameworks denies future justice and called for multilateralism and a more inclusive global order.
Summit Outcomes: Tianjin Declaration and New Presidency
The Summit facilitated productive dialogue on the SCO Development Strategy, global governance reform, counter-terrorism, peace and security, economic and financial cooperation, and sustainable development. At the close, Modi congratulated Kyrgyzstan’s President Japarov on assuming the next SCO presidency and welcomed the adoption of the Tianjin Declaration—a step forward for regional cooperation.
