PM Modi at SCO Summit 2025: India's renewed focus on connectivity and opportunity with China's SCO

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stressed security, connectivity, and opportunity as the guiding principles of India’s participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Speaking at the SCO Summit 2025, his emphasis on opportunity and connectivity hints at India’s focus on exploring bilateral trade opportunities, particularly with China.

“India has played a very positive role as a member of the SCO. India's vision and policy for the SCO is based on three important pillars. S - Security, C- Connectivity and O - Opportunity,” PM Modi said in his remarks.

To strengthen connectivity, PM Modi proposed a Civilisational Dialogue Forum under SCO to facilitate cultural exchange between member nations.

“To further strengthen our people-to-people ties, I would like to make another proposal today, that a Civilisational Dialogue Forum [must] be created under the SCO. Through this, we can share our ancient civilizations, art, literature, and traditions on a global platform,” he said.

He lauded the council for the addition of four new centres including organised crime, drug trafficking and cyber security.

“SCO members can also enhance mutual cooperation for reforms in global institutions. On the occasion of the United Nations’ 80th anniversary, we can call in one voice for UN reform,” he added.

In this regard, PM Modi recommended bringing reforms to the UN to incorporate voices from the Global South, signalling at the need for a change in the UNSC permanent membership pattern.

“The SCO can become a guiding force for multilateralism and an inclusive world order. I am pleased that a Statement is being issued today on this important subject,” he added.

PM Modi once again sounded the alarm over terrorism and stressed the need for nations to work together in ensuring stability and peace.

“Security, peace, and stability serve as the foundation for the progress and development of any nation. However, achieving these goals is often hindered by significant challenges, such as terrorism and separatism,” PM Modi said.

He spoke about the critical role SCO-RATS, the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the SCO continues to play in this regard. PM Modi shared that India has led the Joint Information Operation initiative to combat Al-Qaeda and associated terrorist organisations.

“Terrorism, in particular, is not merely a threat to the security of individual states but a grave challenge to humanity as a whole,” PM Modi added.

He noted that India has been vocal about terror-financing groups at global forums and welcomed the support extended by countries such as China and Russia.