India used the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek to push for a stronger international response against terrorism.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for the dismantling of the entire ecosystem supporting terrorism, including terrorist financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens.
The SCO’s declaration also stressed that “double standards” in the fight against terrorism are unacceptable and reaffirmed members’ commitment to combating terrorism, separatism and extremism. It specifically emphasised opposition to the cross-border movement of terrorists.
The summit brought together leaders of major regional powers, making it particularly important for India’s diplomatic and security interests.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office/PIB account of the summit, Modi also highlighted India’s three-part SCO vision of Security, Connectivity and Opportunity, while calling for greater people-to-people cooperation.
Why it matters to India
The SCO is particularly important because it brings India into the same multilateral forum as Russia, China and other Central Asian countries.
For New Delhi, the summit provides an avenue to:
- Raise concerns about terrorism and cross-border militancy
- Strengthen relations with Central Asia
- Maintain strategic engagement with Russia and China
- Expand regional connectivity
- Promote India’s diplomatic influence
The terrorism language in the SCO declaration is especially significant for India because counter-terrorism has remained a major component of its foreign-policy messaging.