Security, Connectivity and Opportunity: PM Modi’s mantra for SCO

September 1, 2025 MTIMES 95 Views CPEC, global reforms, India foreign policy, Pahalgam attack, pm modi, SCO members, SCO Summit 2025, terrorism 3 min read

Tianjin: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today outlined India’s three-pillar vision for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) — Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity. Speaking at the plenary session of the 25th SCO Summit in Tianjin, PM Modi urged member nations to take a united stand against terrorism, respect sovereignty in connectivity projects, and work together to build economic progress.

PM Modi’s Stern Message on Terrorism

With Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif present, Modi strongly condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, calling it a reminder of the threats India has faced for more than four decades.

“Recently, we saw the worst side of terrorism in Pahalgam. I express my gratitude to the friendly countries that stood with us in this hour of grief,” he said.

Labeling terrorism a “shared challenge for humanity”, PM Modi warned that some countries continue to openly support and fund terror groups — an indirect reference to Pakistan. He stressed that terrorism must be condemned in all forms, without double standards.

Connectivity and Sovereignty

Turning to regional connectivity, PM Modi made a veiled reference to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), cautioning that any project ignoring national sovereignty cannot build trust.

“Connectivity that bypasses sovereignty loses both trust and meaning. Connectivity projects should respect the sovereignty of nations,” the Prime Minister said, underlining India’s long-standing stance on regional cooperation.

India’s Call for Global Reforms

Highlighting India’s economic progress, Modi pressed for reforms in global institutions like the United Nations, stressing that they must reflect present-day realities. He emphasized that outdated frameworks cannot meet the aspirations of the Global South and urged the SCO to foster greater opportunities for growth, innovation, and cooperation.

India’s Active Role in SCO

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) currently includes 10 member states: India, Belarus, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It also has several observer states and dialogue partners.

India became a full SCO member in 2017, after serving as an observer since 2005. It has actively shaped the grouping’s agenda, chairing the SCO Council of Heads of Government in 2020 and the SCO Council of Heads of State between 2022 and 2023.

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