Pakistan Takes SCO Chair as PM Modi Delivers Strong Message: Terrorism Can Never Be a Strategic Asset

As Pakistan assumed the rotating chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a strong message on regional security, warning that terrorism cannot be treated as an instrument of state policy or a strategic advantage. Speaking at the 26th SCO summit in Bishkek, Modi stressed that lasting regional development depends on security and stability. In the presence of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, he called on member states to dismantle the broader ecosystem that sustains terrorism, including financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens.

Without naming Pakistan directly, Modi's remarks carried an unmistakable message for countries accused of using terrorism as a tool to pursue strategic objectives. He emphasised that there must be no double standards in the international fight against terror and that security cooperation cannot succeed while terrorist networks continue to receive support or shelter.

India has repeatedly raised concerns over cross-border terrorism and has argued that regional organisations such as the SCO must adopt a consistent approach towards terrorist groups and their sponsors. Modi's latest remarks reinforce New Delhi's position that economic growth, trade and connectivity can prosper only when member states respect security and territorial integrity.

The timing of the speech is particularly significant because Pakistan is now taking over the SCO chair at a time when terrorism remains one of the organisation's central security challenges. Islamabad's new leadership role gives it greater responsibility in guiding the forum's agenda, while India's intervention puts the issue of terrorism firmly at the centre of the regional conversation. Modi also underlined the importance of connectivity projects respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states. 

The Prime Minister argued that counterterrorism efforts should go beyond responding to individual attacks. Instead, countries must target the entire infrastructure that enables extremist organisations to survive and expand. This includes cutting financial channels, preventing recruitment, tackling radicalisation and denying militants safe havens.

India's message at the summit therefore went beyond a bilateral exchange with Pakistan. New Delhi sought to reinforce a broader principle: regional cooperation cannot be separated from accountability on terrorism. For the SCO to remain an effective platform for Eurasian security, India believes member states must demonstrate a common commitment against terrorism regardless of political alignments.

Pakistan's assumption of the chairmanship will test the SCO's ability to balance competing strategic interests while maintaining its stated focus on counterterrorism. With India pressing for tougher action against the networks that enable terrorism, Islamabad's leadership of the organisation is likely to face close scrutiny.

For New Delhi, Modi's intervention marked a clear diplomatic assertion that Pakistan's leadership role within the SCO cannot dilute India's demand for a firm and consistent stand against terrorism. The message was direct: no country should be allowed to turn terror into a strategic instrument while simultaneously seeking greater influence in a regional security forum.