Indian PM Modi stresses on peace, security at Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meet

Highlighting the threats posed by the rising radicalisation in the region, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the biggest challenges faced by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) are related to peace, security and concerns regarding trust deficit.

While addressing the Plenary Session of the 21st Meeting of SCO Council of Heads of State, on September 17, PM Modi said, "The biggest challenges in this area are related to peace, security and trust deficit. The main cause of these problems is increasing radicalisation. Recent developments in Afghanistan have made this challenge clear." Referring to the historic trends, the Prime Minister said the region of Central Asia had been a bastion of moderate and progressive cultures and values. "Traditions like Sufism flourished here over the centuries and spread throughout the region and the world. We can still see their image in the cultural heritage of this region."

Keeping in view the 20th anniversary of SCO forum, Prime Minister said that the members' countries must encourage our talented youngsters towards science and rational thinking. "We can bring our start-ups and entrepreneurs together to make the innovative spirit towards making India a stakeholder in an emerging technology."

Underlining the importance of connectivity in the region, PM Modi said that any connectivity initiative could not be one-way. "To ensure mutual trust, connectivity projects should be consultative, transparent and participatory. There should be respect for the territorial integrity of all countries."

(ANI)