Tianjin/New Delhi, Sept 1,2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today underlined India’s vision for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), framing it around three pillars: Security, Connectivity and Opportunity (SCO).
Speaking at the SCO plenary session in Tianjin, Modi called on member-states to act against terrorism without double standards, ensure sovereignty in connectivity projects, and work together for economic progress.
With Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in attendance, PM Modi raised the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, stressing that India has been facing the scourge of terrorism for over four decades. “Recently, we saw the worst side of terrorism in Pahalgam. I express my gratitude to the friendly countries that stood with us in this hour of grief,” he said.
Calling terrorism a “shared challenge for humanity,” the PM said it must be condemned in all its forms, adding that “some countries openly support terrorism,” in an indirect reference to Pakistan. He also highlighted India’s consistent stand against the funding of terror networks.
On regional connectivity, the Prime Minister sent a strong message linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) without naming it directly. “Connectivity that bypasses sovereignty loses trust and meaning. Connectivity projects should respect the sovereignty of nations,” he said.
PM Modi also urged reforms in the United Nations, pointing out that global institutions must reflect current realities. He highlighted India’s economic progress and reform agenda, stressing that the SCO should create opportunities for growth and cooperation.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) currently has 10 member states — India, Belarus, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. In addition, the grouping includes several dialogue partners and observer states.
India, which became a full member of the SCO in 2017 after holding observer status since 2005, has actively contributed to the organisation’s agenda. It chaired the SCO Council of Heads of Government in 2020 and the SCO Council of Heads of State from 2022 to 2023.
