Key takeaways from PM Modi’s SCO Summit address and bilateral talks with Putin

Later, during his bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, PM Modi welcomed the peace efforts towards ending the war in Ukraine and said that India hoped all parties would move forward constructively in this process.

Here are the key takeaways from the Indian prime minister’s address and his bilateral meeting with Putin:

PM Modi’s message on terrorism and ‘double standards’

Reiterating India’s stance on terrorism, PM Modi highlighted the need for collective action against extremism.

He emphasised that terrorism and separatism are major challenges to peace, prosperity and stability of any nation, and that India has been fighting the menace for the last seven decades.

“Any kind of double standard is not acceptable on the issue of terrorism,” PM Modi said while addressing the plenary session of the 25th SCO Heads of State Council Summit. “India has taken the lead in the fight against terror outfits like Al-Qaeda and its associates, and we oppose any kind of terror-financing.”

Referring to the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where terrorists opened fire and shot dead 26 civilians, mostly tourists, in broad daylight, PM Modi highlighted India’s leading role in combating global terror outfits, such as Al-Qaeda and its affiliates, and reiterated the country’s opposition to terror financing.

He also expressed gratitude to the friendly nations for standing with India during the difficult time and hit out at the countries that “openly support terrorism”.

“We have recently seen the brutal Pahalgam terror attack. I thank all the friendly nations who stood with us,” PM Modi said.

“The Pahalgam terror attack was not just an attack on India’s soul but an open challenge to all those countries that have faith in humanity. It raises a serious question – should a country openly supporting terrorism be acceptable to any of us? We all must fight and oppose terrorism in all its forms. It is our responsibility towards humanity,” he added.

Connectivity and sovereignty

Modi underlined the significance of connectivity projects that respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, aligning with the fundamental principle of the SCO Charter.

“Connectivity should always respect sovereignty and territorial integrity-this is a fundamental principle of the SCO Charter. Connectivity that bypasses sovereignty loses trust and meaning,” PM Modi said.

He stressed that India views connectivity as a tool not only for trade but also for fostering trust and development.

“India firmly believes that strong connectivity ensures not just trade, but also trust and development. That is why we are working on Chabahar and the International North-South Economic Corridor, which will enhance connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asia,” he stated.

India’s SCO Presidency

Reflecting on India’s presidency of the SCO in 2023, PM Modi highlighted India’s efforts to take the Organisation beyond governments for the ease of common people.

“…In 2023, we infused new energy and ideas during our presidency, including youth empowerment, digital inclusion, and Buddhist heritage. During our presidency of the SCO in 2023, we tried to take the SCO beyond governments for the ease of common people and startups,” PM Modi said.

Civilisation Dialogue Forum

PM Modi further proposed the formation of a ‘Civilisation Dialogue Forum’ to enhance people-to-people ties in the SCO, stating that this would provide a global platform for the countries to share ancient civilisation, culture, traditions, and literature.

“To enhance people-to-people ties in the SCO, I propose the formation of a ‘Civilisation Dialogue Forum’. It will provide a global stage to share our ancient civilisation, culture, traditions, and literature,” he said.

Peace in Ukraine

PM Modi told Putin that India hoped all parties would move forward constructively in this process.

He also confirmed the Russian president’s visit to India in December this year.

“We have been continuously discussing the war in Ukraine, and we welcome the recent efforts to bring about peace,” Modi said.

In a display of camaraderie amid the United States’ 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, Modi and Putin left the summit in the same car and then held a bilateral meeting, along with senior officials from both sides.

This was their first meeting since the US penalised India for buying Russian oil.