Modi Engages with Laos and Tajikistan Leaders at SCO Summit

Key Meetings at the SCO Summit

Bishkek, September 1: During the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in discussions with Laos President Thongloun Sisoulith, focusing on enhancing bilateral relations.

In a message shared on X, PM Modi remarked, "I had a productive conversation with Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith, President of Lao PDR, regarding the strengthening of ties between our countries."

Additionally, PM Modi met with Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon, expressing India's commitment to deepen cooperation across various sectors with Tajikistan.

"I had a fruitful discussion with Mr. Emomali Rahmon, the President of Tajikistan. India is eager to enhance collaboration with Tajikistan in multiple areas," PM Modi noted on X.

Earlier that day, the Prime Minister participated in the 26th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO. In his address, he reiterated India's belief that all disputes should be settled through dialogue and diplomacy rather than conflict.

"In our increasingly interconnected world, the concept of security has broadened significantly. The ongoing crisis in West Asia illustrates that conflicts in one area can have global repercussions, affecting energy security, maritime trade, and supply chains. The Global South often bears the brunt of these issues. Hence, India advocates for resolving all tensions through dialogue and diplomacy, steering clear of warfare," he stated.

PM Modi emphasized that terrorism remains a critical threat to humanity, urging for the dismantling of the entire framework that supports terror financing, recruitment, radicalization, and safe havens. He stressed the importance of a unified stance against terrorism.

"Terrorism is a grave challenge to humanity. In combating it, we must adopt a comprehensive approach rather than a reactive one. We need to dismantle the entire ecosystem that supports terrorism," PM Modi asserted.

"We must collectively declare that there is no place for double standards on this pressing issue. Nations that utilize terrorism as a strategic tool and provide refuge and support to terrorists must receive a clear message that terrorism cannot be an asset for anyone," he added.

Furthermore, PM Modi highlighted drug trafficking as a significant threat to youth and regional stability. He welcomed the establishment of centers within the SCO aimed at tackling security threats, organized crime, information security, and narcotics, calling it a "positive development" and urged for their effective implementation for timely action.