India’s PM Narendra Modi Addresses SCO Summit 2025: Call for Security, Connectivity & Opportunity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China on September 1, 2025, delivering a strong message on terrorism, security, and regional cooperation. The SCO, one of the world’s largest multilateral groupings covering Eurasia and the Global South, has become a platform where India can amplify its vision of peace, connectivity, and collective growth.

In his speech, Modi described the SCO as a forum for “Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity”, setting the tone for India’s role in shaping a multipolar world.

Modi’s Call for Zero Tolerance on Terrorism

At the heart of Modi’s address was a firm stance against terrorism in all forms. He warned the gathering that double standards in tackling extremism could undermine the very purpose of the SCO. “Terrorism, separatism, and extremism are the biggest threats to regional and global peace. We must adopt a zero-tolerance approach. Double standards in dealing with terrorism are unacceptable,” Modi said.

He urged SCO members to strengthen cooperation through the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) and also proposed joint frameworks to combat cyber-terrorism, radicalization, and terror financing. By positioning India as a leader in the fight against extremism, Modi made it clear that peace is the foundation for connectivity and prosperity.

India–China: Seeking Stability Beyond Differences

One of the most closely watched moments of the summit was Modi’s bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two leaders discussed ways to move past tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and restore stability. “Peace and tranquillity on our borders are essential for normalizing our relations,” Modi reportedly told Xi.

In response, Xi emphasized cooperation, stating that “the dragon and the elephant must come together”, symbolizing the potential of India–China cooperation as two ancient civilizations and modern economic powers.

The meeting produced practical agreements: resuming direct flights, easing visa restrictions, lifting export bans, and working together on trade and cultural exchanges. Both leaders also touched on counter-terrorism cooperation, with China expressing readiness to coordinate with India on cross-border terrorism issues.

Modi–Putin: A Hug That Spoke Volumes

Another highlight was Modi’s interaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders were seen sharing a warm embrace before their bilateral meeting, a moment widely covered in global media. “Always a delight to meet President Putin. Our Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership continues to grow stronger,” Modi said after their discussion.

Their conversation focused on energy security, defense cooperation, and trade. With Russia being India’s long-standing partner, Modi reinforced that the partnership remains central to India’s foreign policy, even as global alignments shift.

Strategic Symbolism: Walking Past Pakistan

A lighter yet symbolic moment at the summit occurred when Modi and Putin walked together past Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, leaving him visibly sidelined. While not officially commented on, the gesture was read by analysts as a subtle indication of India’s unwillingness to engage with Pakistan until it addresses terror networks on its soil.

India’s Wider Diplomacy at the SCO

Beyond China and Russia, Modi also engaged with leaders from Central Asia, the Maldives, Egypt and Belarus. He discussed themes such as climate change, energy transition, digital transformation, and healthcare cooperation.

Modi stressed that “India is committed to inclusive development partnerships that are based on mutual trust and benefit.” By positioning India as a development partner, not just a strategic actor, Modi expanded India’s influence in the SCO’s broader agenda.

Xi Jinping’s Opening: Multilateralism and Fairness

Earlier, Chinese President Xi Jinping opened the summit with a strong critique of unilateralism.

“We must oppose bullying behavior and Cold War mentalities. The SCO should serve as a model for fairness, multilateralism, and joint development,” Xi declared.

Modi’s speech complemented this call by framing terrorism as a global issue that requires the same spirit of fairness and cooperation. Together, the two leaders reinforced the SCO’s identity as a platform distinct from Western-dominated organizations.

Global Context: SCO as a Counterweight

The SCO 2025 Summit unfolded against the backdrop of U.S. tariffs on Indian exports and continued global instability. Russia faces ongoing Western sanctions, while China is locked in economic competition with the U.S.

By engaging deeply with both Xi and Putin, Modi signaled India’s strategic autonomy. He positioned India as a bridge-builder capable of balancing relations with the West while strengthening ties within Eurasia. “India believes in a multipolar world order where all voices are respected, and no one is left behind,” Modi stated.

Key Outcomes of Modi’s Address and Diplomacy

• Terrorism: India’s demand for zero tolerance and rejection of double standards gained strong resonance.
• India–China Reset: Both sides agreed to reopen trade, travel, and cultural exchanges while working on border peace.
• India–Russia Warmth:Modi reinforced a long-standing energy and defense partnership with Putin.
• Sidelining Pakistan:Symbolic but clear, India kept focus on larger global partnerships.
• Regional Engagement:Modi broadened India’s role by discussing development with other SCO members.

Conclusion:

Prime Minister Modi’s address at the SCO Summit today was not just a diplomatic speech—it was a strategic blueprint for India’s role in the evolving global order. His strong words on terrorism, warm outreach to Russia, pragmatic reset with China, and inclusive vision for development made India a central voice in the summit. “The SCO must be a forum of Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity. India will continue to work with all members to ensure peace and prosperity for our region,” Modi concluded.

The Tianjin summit has marked a turning point, where India under Modi emerged as both a protector of security and a champion of connectivity, signaling its rise as a pivotal global actor in a multipolar world.

According to TV, Media & AI sources.