Modi Takes Strong Anti-Terrorism Line at SCO Summit, Calls for Dismantling Entire Terror Ecosystem
Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek to make terrorism one of the central issues of his address, calling for a united and uncompromising international response. He said the fight against terrorism cannot be selective and that there must be no “double standards” when confronting the threat.
Modi called on SCO members to dismantle what he described as the “entire ecosystem” that enables terrorism. He specifically pointed to terrorist financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens, arguing that counterterrorism efforts must target the infrastructure supporting extremist violence rather than only responding after attacks occur.
His remarks came in the presence of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, although Modi did not name Pakistan directly. His warning that no country should treat terrorism as a “strategic asset” was widely interpreted as a pointed message to states accused of using militant groups as instruments of national policy.
Modi argued that terrorism represents a serious challenge to humanity as a whole and said the international response should move beyond an “action-reaction” approach. India has consistently pushed for greater international pressure on terrorist organisations, their financial networks and countries that provide them support or shelter.
The Indian prime minister also urged SCO countries to speak with one voice against terrorism. The summit’s broader discussions included security cooperation, counterterrorism mechanisms and measures aimed at addressing other transnational threats such as drug trafficking.
The issue gained additional significance as the SCO summit brought together Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and leaders from other member states. The grouping includes countries facing different security challenges across Central Asia and the wider Asian region, making counterterrorism cooperation a major part of its security agenda.
Modi connected the security issue with his broader vision for the SCO, built around three pillars: Security, Connectivity and Opportunity. He argued that economic development and regional cooperation cannot advance without peace and stability.
He also called for connectivity projects to respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity, while advocating greater trade, logistical links and people-to-people exchanges. India has increasingly linked its participation in regional connectivity initiatives with principles of sovereignty and transparency.
Beyond terrorism, Modi addressed the wider international security environment, including the conflict in West Asia. He warned that conflicts in one region can have consequences far beyond their immediate borders, affecting energy security, maritime trade and global supply chains.
Modi said wars and conflicts should ultimately be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy rather than the battlefield. His message placed India’s counterterrorism position within a broader call for stability, diplomatic engagement and cooperation among SCO members.
The summit’s final discussions also reflected India’s push for stronger collective action against terrorism. SCO members reaffirmed opposition to terrorism and rejected double standards in addressing the threat, giving greater diplomatic weight to the issue raised by Modi.
For India, the Bishkek summit therefore provided an important diplomatic platform to reinforce its long-standing demand that terrorism be confronted collectively and that countries supporting or sheltering terrorist networks face a clear international response. Modi’s direct emphasis on dismantling the wider terror ecosystem marked one of the strongest elements of India’s message at the summit.
