On Tuesday, leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) affirmed that the Eurasian security and political bloc is not directed against any other countries and welcomes broader cooperation with all. In a joint statement from the organization’s leaders at the conclusion of an online summit hosted by India, member states opposed resolving international and regional issues "collectively, on an ideological basis, and with confrontational thinking." The leaders criticized the negative impact of the "unilateral and unlimited expansion by certain countries or groups of countries in global missile defense systems."
Concerns were raised regarding the situation in Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for creating an inclusive government in Afghanistan that includes representatives from all ethnic, religious, and political groups within Afghan society. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the important role of the SCO in the world, suggesting that "the organization could become a significant factor in reforming global institutions, including the United Nations." Modi also stated that SCO member countries should undertake decisive measures to combat terrorism and enhance cooperation to prevent the financing of terrorist activities. He asserted, "Terrorism can take any form and appear in any guise. We must fight it together. There is a need for strict and decisive actions to confront this challenge," emphasizing that "the SCO must enhance cooperation to stop financing terrorism."
Prime Minister Modi welcomed Iran's accession to the SCO, which includes Russia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, making it the ninth country to join the organization. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is to participate in the organization's activities. Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization is firmly committed to building a fair and multipolar system." This summit marks the culmination of India's first presidency of the organization, held under the slogan "SECURE SCO."
Notably, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced this slogan at the SCO summit in 2018, which encompasses concepts such as security, economy, trade, connectivity, unity, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. These topics have entered the main agenda for India's presidency. All member states, except India, supported the extensive "Belt and Road Initiative," aimed at reviving the Silk Road to connect China with Asia, Europe, and other more distant regions through massive infrastructure projects.
