Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Bishkek to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, known as SCO, summit meeting. Marking the occasion of Kyrgyzstan's Independence Day, the Prime Minister addressed local citizens and reviewed the journey of the past twenty-five years while outlining key objectives for the next quarter-century.
Celebrating Twenty-Five Years of Cooperation
Addressing the special gathering, Narendra Modi expressed delight at participating in the silver jubilee celebration of the bloc. He thanked President Zaparov for the warm welcome and exceptional hospitality extended in Bishkek. Warm greetings were also extended to the governments and people of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan on their respective independence anniversaries.
Shared Heritage and Cultural Ties
Highlighting the World Nomad Games opening ceremony, the address noted that the rich culture and shared heritage of the region were vividly on display. This shared heritage remains a major driving force for the entire family. Over the past twenty-five years, the grouping has successfully built a robust tradition of dialogue and mutual cooperation across the vast Eurasian landmass.
A Firm Stance Against Terrorism
Shifting focus to pressing global challenges, the Prime Minister emphasized that vision must now translate into concrete outcomes, starting with peace and security. Terrorism continues to pose a severe threat to humanity, and the fight against it cannot remain confined to superficial reactions. The entire ecosystem supporting terror financing, recruitment, radicalization, and safe havens must be systematically dismantled.
Rejecting Double Standards
The speech delivered a clear message that there is no room for double standards on the critical issue of terrorism. Nations that use terror as an instrument of state policy or shelter extremists must be told firmly that terrorism can never serve as a strategic asset. A secure and peaceful Eurasian region is closely linked to peace and stability in Afghanistan, where continued humanitarian and developmental assistance remains a priority for India.
Connectivity, Trade, and Regional Stability
Reliable connectivity serves as another fundamental pillar for shared growth. Support was reiterated for initiatives that link markets and expand trade routes, provided that national sovereignty and territorial integrity are fully respected in accordance with the core principles of the charter. Enhancing digital documentation, streamlining logistics networks, and simplifying custom processes will ensure that cooperation benefits ordinary citizens directly.
Strengthening People-to-People Connections
The ultimate measure of success lies in generating fresh opportunities for youth, expanding markets for entrepreneurs, and improving the general quality of life. Welcoming the focus on youth engagement during Kyrgyzstan's presidency, mention was made of various initiatives already launched by India, including the Start-up Forum, Young Authors' Conclave, and Young Scientists' Forum.
