Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the international community to come together to combat terrorism in all its forms, emphasizing that it cannot be justified or condoned. Addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, via External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, PM Modi stressed the need for a decisive response to cross-border terrorism and resolute countermeasures against terrorism financing and recruitment.
The Prime Minister’s remarks came as the SCO gathering aimed to find common ground to mitigate the consequences of ongoing global challenges such as the pandemic, conflicts, rising tensions, trust deficits, and hotspots around the world.
PM Modi highlighted India’s support for various SCO initiatives, including cultural events like the Millet Food Festival, SCO Film Festival, SCO Surajkund Craft Mela, SCO Think-Tanks Conference, and International Conference on Shared Buddhist Heritage. He also emphasized India’s commitment to addressing climate change, achieving committed reduction in emissions, and harnessing technological progress for the welfare and progress of societies.
Notably, PM Modi mentioned India’s formulation of a National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence and the launch of an AI Mission, showcasing the country’s efforts to leverage technology for growth and prosperity. He reiterated the significance of SCO as a platform for unity, collaboration, and mutual progress, echoing the ancient Indian principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or ‘The World is One Family.’
In his address, PM Modi also congratulated President Aleksandr Lukashenko and welcomed Belarus as the new member of the SCO
