Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to push a clear, outcome-focused agenda for the 10-member bloc. His speech, delivered on September 1, 2026, centred on security, connectivity and opportunity, with strong messages on terrorism, Afghanistan and the need to resolve conflicts through diplomacy.
A three-pillar vision for SCO
Modi reiterated India’s vision of building SCO cooperation around three pillars—Security, Connectivity and Opportunity—and urged members to move from broad statements to measurable outcomes. He said the grouping must “transform our geography into shared opportunities” by linking markets, boosting trade and creating new avenues for development.
Zero tolerance on terrorism, no double standards
Calling terrorism a grave threat to humanity, the Prime Minister said SCO countries must dismantle the entire terror ecosystem, including its financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens. He stressed that there can be “no place for double standards” in the fight against terror and that member states must speak with one voice against all forms of terrorism.
No state-sponsored terror as strategic asset
In a clear message to countries that use terror as an instrument of policy, Modi said terrorism can never be treated as a strategic asset and those sheltering or supporting terrorists must receive a strong message. This line was widely seen as aimed at Pakistan and other states accused of backing cross-border militancy.
Afghanistan’s peace tied to Eurasian stability
Modi linked peace and stability in Afghanistan to wider security in the Eurasian region and reaffirmed India’s commitment to continued development assistance and humanitarian support for the Afghan people. He argued that a stable Afghanistan is essential for the SCO’s long-term security goals.
Dialogue over battlefield solutions
The Prime Minister underlined that “there is no solution on the battlefield” and that all wars and regional conflicts must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. He warned that prolonged conflicts can escalate and disrupt global energy security, maritime trade and supply chains, implicitly referring to tensions in West Asia and their impact on oil routes and shipping.
Connectivity with a sovereignty caveat
While backing greater economic connectivity across SCO nations, Modi stressed that such projects must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, in line with the SCO Charter. This formulation is consistent with India’s long-standing concerns over connectivity initiatives like China’s Belt and Road that pass through disputed territory.
Technology, innovation and youth at the centre
The speech highlighted technology, innovation, startups and youth engagement as key drivers of SCO cooperation in the next phase. Modi also announced that India is ready to host the first SCO Civilisation Dialogue Forum to deepen people-to-people ties.
From 25 years of talk to tangible results
Marking 25 years of the SCO, Modi called on the grouping to convert its long foundation of dialogue into concrete, outcome-oriented cooperation amid global uncertainty and instability. He said the time has come for the SCO to deliver visible benefits in security, trade and development for its citizens.
Declaration backs India’s security priorities
At the summit, Modi and other heads of state signed the Bishkek Declaration, which included support for stronger cooperation against terrorism, extremism and organised crime, and backed India’s push on narco-terrorism. The adoption of new regulations on a universal centre for countering threats further strengthens the SCO’s security architecture.
Taken together, Modi’s 10-point roadmap positions India as a voice for firm action on terror, principled connectivity, and diplomacy-led conflict resolution within the SCO framework.
