India Urges Stronger SCO Action Against Terrorism at Foreign Ministers' Meeting

New Delhi, India Jul 25, 2026 ALN: India's recent call for a stronger stance against terrorism and extremism at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting reflects a growing concern among member states regarding the rising threat of terrorism in the region. The meeting, held in Cholpan Ata, Kyrgyz Republic, brought together foreign ministers from various countries, providing a platform for dialogue on pressing regional and global issues. This gathering is particularly significant given the evolving security landscape and the need for collective responses to emerging threats.

The SCO, established in 2001, is a Eurasian political, economic, and military organization that includes several countries from Central Asia, South Asia, and beyond. Its founding members include China, Russia, and several Central Asian nations, with India and Pakistan joining as full members in 2017. The organization aims to promote regional security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange among its member states. However, in recent years, the rise of terrorism and extremism has posed significant challenges to the SCO's objectives, necessitating a more unified and robust response from its members.

During the meeting, Kirti Vardhan Singh, India's Minister of State for External Affairs, emphasized the need for the SCO to adopt a firm and principled approach against terrorism and extremism. He underscored the importance of an unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms, particularly cross-border terrorism, which has been a significant concern for India. This is especially relevant in the context of India's relations with neighboring Pakistan, where India has accused Pakistan of providing support to terrorist groups that operate against Indian interests. The issue of cross-border terrorism is not only a bilateral concern but also a regional one, impacting the overall security dynamics in South Asia.

Singh's remarks highlighted the necessity of dismantling terror networks, eliminating safe havens, and addressing the financing of terrorism, which are critical steps to strengthen regional cooperation. The call for a robust approach to combating terrorism aligns with the SCO's stated objectives but also reflects India's broader geopolitical strategy of enhancing security cooperation with its neighbors and partners. The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated, as the consequences of terrorism extend beyond borders, affecting trade, investment, and the overall stability of the region.

As the SCO marks its 25th anniversary, Singh acknowledged the organization's evolution into a significant platform for addressing contemporary geopolitical challenges. The global landscape has been shifting, with emerging security threats, armed conflicts, food and energy insecurity, and climate-related challenges disproportionately affecting the Global South. Singh's emphasis on "reformed multilateralism" indicates a desire for a more equitable international order that recognizes the unique challenges faced by developing countries. This perspective is crucial as it calls for a collaborative approach to tackling issues that impact not just one nation but entire regions.

India's engagement with the SCO is also grounded in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity." This vision aims to foster regional stability and economic growth while promoting stronger ties among the people of the SCO member states. Singh's comments on regional connectivity initiatives, such as the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the Chabahar Port project, and the TAPI gas pipeline, illustrate India's commitment to enhancing trade and transit routes that can benefit all member countries. These projects are not only vital for economic development but also serve as potential platforms for collaboration that can mitigate tensions and foster goodwill among member states.

However, Singh also emphasized that connectivity projects must adhere to principles of transparency, inclusivity, and respect for national sovereignty. This stance reflects India's cautious approach to regional connectivity, particularly in light of concerns regarding China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has faced criticism for its lack of transparency and potential debt-trap diplomacy. India's perspective on connectivity underscores the importance of ensuring that infrastructure projects do not compromise the sovereignty or economic independence of participating nations, a principle that is likely to resonate with several other SCO members who share similar concerns.

In addition to economic initiatives, Singh highlighted India's readiness to deepen cooperation in emerging technologies such as digital innovation and artificial intelligence. This emphasis on technological collaboration is particularly relevant in today's rapidly evolving global landscape, where technology plays a crucial role in development and security. By fostering partnerships among academia, startups, and innovation ecosystems across SCO member states, India aims to accelerate shared development and address common challenges. This focus on technology is not merely about economic growth; it also encompasses enhancing security measures and combating cyber threats that have become increasingly prevalent.

Singh also underscored the importance of cultural ties among SCO member states, advocating for expanded cooperation in areas such as yoga, traditional medicine, and youth exchanges. These initiatives are intended to strengthen people-to-people connections and promote mutual understanding among diverse cultures within the SCO region. The announcement of the first SCO Civilizational Dialogue Forum, which India will host later this year, is a significant step in this direction. The forum aims to promote dialogue based on the region's rich civilizational heritage, fostering a sense of shared identity and collaboration. Such cultural initiatives can play a pivotal role in building trust and understanding, which are essential for long-term cooperation in various fields, including security.

As the meeting concluded, Singh reaffirmed India's commitment to working constructively with all SCO members to build a secure, stable, inclusive, and responsive organization. His assurance of India's support for Kyrgyzstan's leadership during the upcoming SCO Leaders' Summit in Bishkek reflects India's desire to play a proactive role within the organization and contribute to its objectives. This proactive stance is indicative of India's broader strategy to enhance its influence in regional and global forums, positioning itself as a key player in addressing shared challenges.

The implications of India's call for a stronger stance against terrorism are significant, not only for the SCO but also for regional and global security. As terrorism continues to pose a threat to peace and stability, the need for collective action among member states becomes increasingly urgent. India's emphasis on a principled approach to combating terrorism may encourage other member states to adopt similar stances, potentially leading to more coordinated efforts to address this pressing issue. The prospect of a united front against terrorism within the SCO could serve as a model for other regional organizations grappling with similar challenges.

Furthermore, India's focus on connectivity, technology, and cultural ties could pave the way for enhanced cooperation among SCO members, fostering a more integrated and resilient region. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the SCO's ability to adapt to new challenges and promote collaboration among its diverse member states will be crucial in shaping the future of regional security and cooperation. The success of the SCO in addressing terrorism and other security threats will ultimately depend on the willingness of its members to engage in meaningful dialogue and take collective action, reinforcing the organization's relevance in a rapidly changing world.