Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his opening address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin on Monday, cautioned that connectivity projects which sidestep sovereignty risk losing both trust and legitimacy.
“India has always believed that strong connectivity not only enhances visibility but also fosters trust and development. With this in mind, we are working on initiatives like the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor. This will help us improve connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia. We believe that every effort in connectivity should be inclusive and respect regional identities,” the Prime Minister stated.
“This is also mentioned in the SCO Charter – that connectivity bypassing sovereignty loses trust and meaning,” he further emphasised.
The statement comes in the backdrop of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which cuts through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Turning to Opportunity, the third pillar of India’s SCO vision, the Prime Minister recalled that under India’s chairmanship in 2023, ‘new energy and thoughts gained momentum’.
“Our effort was to take SCO beyond governments — to connect common people, youth, scholars, and startups together and take them forward,” PM Modi noted.
The Prime Minister also proposed the establishment of a ‘Civilisation Dialogue Forum’ within the grouping to deepen cultural exchanges.
“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 remarked.
Reaffirming India’s developmental philosophy, the PM added, “Today, India is moving ahead following the mantra of Reform, Perform and Transform. We have tried to turn every challenge into an opportunity. Whether it is Covid, global challenges, economic crises, or other obstacles, we have sought to turn every challenge into an opportunity.”
PM Modi stressed that India’s development model not only serves its national priorities but also supports broader regional cooperation.
“We are working on taking this ambition forward. These efforts are creating new resources not only for national development but also for inter-state cooperation. I invite all of you to join this journey of India’s development,” the Prime Minister said.
Welcoming reforms within the grouping, PM Modi concluded, “It is a matter of happiness that the SCO is evolving with the changing needs of the times. Four new centres are being set up to tackle challenges such as organised crime, drug trafficking, and cyber security. We welcome this reform-oriented mindset.”
Also Read: PM Modi Invites Nations To Join India’s Growth Story At SCO Summit
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