This year marks SCO’s 25th anniversary. On this occasion, the leaders took stock of the progress and exchanged views on furthering SCO’s role for peace, security, stability and prosperity in the region.

Prime Minister began his address by thanking the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, H.E. Mr. Sadyr Zhaparov for his warmth and hospitality. He noted that the 25th anniversary of the Summit was an opportune time to lay the roadmap for the next 25 years, building upon the strong tradition of dialogue and cooperation developed by SCO. He stated that in the last Summit, India had shared its vision of Security, Connectivity and Opportunity, and now the group must work to realise concrete outcomes in these three pillars of joint work. He reiterated India’s position that conflicts cannot be resolved on the battlefield and dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward. Highlighting that terrorism was a grave threat to humanity, he called for committed action to dismantle the terror ecosystem. He specifically stressed that there should be no double standards whatsoever in fight against terrorism. Noting that security in the Eurasia region was closely linked to peace and stability in Afghanistan, he highlighted India’s development and humanitarian assistance to the country.

Prime Minister further stated that strong and trusted connectivity initiatives were important for the group’s shared progress and prosperity. Underlining that India supports connectivity efforts that link markets, enhance trade and open new opportunities for development, he reiterated that such efforts should respect sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations. He further elaborated that technology, entrepreneurship, innovation, start-ups and people-to-people initiatives open immense opportunities for people in the SCO countries. In this regard, he appreciated the focus on youth engagement under Kyrgyzstan’s presidency. Prime Minister underscored that India would be delighted to host the first edition of the SCO Civilisation Dialogue Forum, later this year. This has been India’s flagship initiative seeking to forge civilisational exchanges among the member states.

Besides the Bishkek Declaration, four MoUs, and over twenty decisions and statements were adopted at the Summit in fields ranging from climate, nuclear safety, energy conservation, and combating drug addiction.  India led and supported several initiatives which find place in the Bishkek Declaration, such as English in SCO Charter as the Official Language; Civilization Dialogue Forum; Young Scientist Forum; and Young Author’s Conclave.

Prime Minister thanked President H.E. Sadyr Jhaparov for the successful organization of the Summit. He expressed India’s commitment to work with the SCO family for shared progress and prosperity.