PM Modi addressed the SCO conference and said, ‘Those who give shelter to terrorists…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on the international community to isolate and expose countries that shelter terrorists, provide safe havens and promote terrorism. He said that terrorism in any form cannot be justified.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made these remarks on behalf of PM Modi at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) held under the chairmanship of Kazakhstan in Astana. Describing the SCO as a principle-based organization, PM Modi said, “At this time we are reiterating mutual respect for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, equality, mutual benefit, non-interference in internal affairs, non-use of force or threat of use of force as the basis of our foreign policies.”

‘Give priority to combating terrorism’

He said that we have also agreed not to take any step contrary to the principles of state sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Prime Minister called upon all member countries to give priority to combating terrorism. At the same time, he emphasized that if terrorism is left unchecked, it can become a major threat to regional and global peace. PM Modi stressed that there is a need to give a decisive response to cross-border terrorism. Along with this, financing and recruitment of terrorism should be strongly countered.

‘Isolate those who shelter terrorists’

He said, “The international community should isolate and expose those countries that shelter terrorists, provide them safe havens and promote terrorism. We also need to take active steps to stop the spread of radicalism among our youth. The joint statement issued on this subject during India’s presidency last year underlines our shared commitment.”

PM Modi also spoke about climate change

He further said, “Climate change remains another major concern. They are working towards achieving committed reductions in emissions, including adopting alternative fuels, adopting electric vehicles and building climate-resilient infrastructure.”

Let us tell you that Jaishankar is leading the Indian delegation at the 24th meeting of the SCO in Kazakhstan. The SCO was established in 2001 at a summit in Shanghai by the presidents of Russia, China, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Its economic and security block includes India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.