India Urges Cooperation Against Terrorism at SCO Summit
New Delhi: At the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the urgent need to tackle the issue of terrorism. Speaking on September 1, 2026, he asserted that the SCO should work together to dismantle the framework that supports terrorism and send a clear message to those nations that harbor it.
Modi’s comments came as Pakistan took over the chairmanship of the SCO for the 2026-27 term. India has long accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism.
He mentioned the importance of “peace and stability” in Afghanistan and noted India’s ongoing humanitarian support to the Afghan people. The summit concluded with the Bishkek Declaration, which called for an inclusive government in Afghanistan under Taliban rule and expressed serious concerns about the continued conflict in the Persian Gulf, advocating for a diplomatic resolution.
On the topic of terrorism, Prime Minister Modi stated, “We must dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorist financing, recruitment, radicalization, and safe havens.” He stressed that the SCO members should unite and clearly reject any double standards regarding terrorism. He highlighted the need for a proactive approach to ensure security instead of merely reacting to incidents.
The Bishkek Declaration echoed Modi’s sentiments, condemning the use of terrorist groups for political purposes.
When addressing the situation in Afghanistan, Modi noted that drug trafficking posed significant risks to regional security. He expressed India’s dedication to contributing to peace and humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan, encouraging the Taliban to form a government that represents all ethnic and political groups.
The summit also discussed the situation in the Persian Gulf. Modi pointed out the crisis’s effects on energy and maritime security and stressed that countries in the Global South suffer the most from such disruptions. The Bishkek Declaration reaffirmed the SCO’s support for Iran’s sovereignty and the need for diplomatic solutions to ongoing conflicts.
In addition to these discussions, Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev announced that the establishment of an SCO Development Bank is underway. This initiative aims to promote large-scale projects in infrastructure and investment across the region.
The meeting highlighted Pakistan’s new role as the SCO chair and named Lahore as the ‘tourism and cultural capital’ for the next two years. In a gesture honoring the summit, one of Kyrgyzstan’s peaks was named “SCO Peak.”
