SCO Summit: PM Modi Calls For Renewed Focus On Security, Connectivity And Reform

Indian Prime Minister Narender Modi underlined the country's vision and policy by emphasizing its focus on security, connectivity, and opportunity at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Monday.

Modi condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, stressing that terrorism must be opposed in all its forms. He also highlighted connectivity as a pillar of India's vision, pointing to projects such as the Chabahar port and the International North-South Transport Corridor, and called for greater cooperation and reform within the SCO, proposing new areas of focus including innovation, youth empowerment, and digital inclusion.

India-China Tie Boost

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Modi held a bilateral meeting on Sunday in Tianjin, where Xi laid out four key suggestions to strengthen ties between the two nations, according to a report by Bloomberg on Monday, quoting Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

Xi emphasized the need for stronger“strategic communication” and deeper mutual trust. He also proposed expanding cooperation for“mutual benefit and win-win results,” accommodating each other's concerns, and enhancing multilateral cooperation to safeguard common interests. Misri said Prime Minister Modi responded“positively” to these suggestions.

The leaders also addressed the sensitive border issue. Misri noted that further talks on the delimitation of the boundary are expected in the coming weeks. Additionally, technical discussions are underway to resume direct flights between the two countries, signaling a gradual step toward restoring normalcy in ties.

Economic and people-to-people exchanges also featured prominently in the discussions, the report said. Both sides explored ways to increase and balance bilateral trade, strengthen cultural and social linkages, enhance cooperation on trans-border rivers, and jointly combat terrorism.

This visit marks Modi's first trip to China in seven years. The meeting between Xi and Modi, alongside their engagements with other leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, is closely watched.

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