India has reiterated that counter-terrorism should remain a key focus of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized this during his address at the SCO-plus meeting in Tianjin.
Misri also highlighted India’s willingness to share its expertise and initiatives on sustainable development with SCO partners. “We stressed the need for UN reform, reaffirmed that fight against terrorism should remain an important priority of the SCO, and highlighted India’s readiness to share its expertise and initiatives for sustainable development,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the 25th SCO Council of Heads of State meeting on Monday, underlined the need for coordinated action against terror financing and radicalization. He called upon member countries to take decisive steps against terrorism in all forms and to hold countries supporting cross-border terrorism accountable.
PM Modi also stressed the importance of connectivity in fostering development and trust among SCO countries, citing projects such as Chabahar port and the International North-South Transport Corridor.
The summit included discussions on SCO development strategy, global governance reform, counter-terrorism, peace and security, economic cooperation, and sustainable development.
The SCO, established in Shanghai on June 15, 2001, has member states China, Russia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus. Afghanistan and Mongolia are observers, while 14 countries, including Turkey, Kuwait, and the UAE, are dialogue partners.
— IANS
