Dialogue, not war: Modi pushes diplomacy for West Asia and targets the terror ecosystem

Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek to press a message of diplomacy for West Asia and a tougher, unified response to terrorism. “The crisis in West Asia has demonstrated that a conflict in one region does not remain confined to that region,” he said, warning of effects on energy security, maritime trade and supply chains.

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The crisis in West Asia has demonstrated that a conflict in one region does not remain confined to that region. Its impact is felt across the world, affecting energy security, maritime trade, and supply chains.

Modi told the 26th SCO Summit that conflicts should be settled “not on the battlefield, but through dialogue and diplomacy.” He said countries in the Global South bear the greatest burden from such disruptions. His remarks came before a gathering that included Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping. China has often blocked Indian efforts to sanction Pakistani militants at the U.N. Security Council.

On security, Modi said terrorism remains a serious challenge and urged the grouping to move beyond an “action-reaction approach.” He called for the dismantling of the entire system supporting terrorism, including financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens. He also said countries must reject double standards and make clear that terrorism cannot serve as a strategic tool.

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Therefore, India has consistently called for all tensions and conflicts to be resolved not on the battlefield, but through dialogue and diplomacy.

Although Modi did not name any country, his comments appeared directed at Pakistan. “We must send a strong message to countries that use terrorism as an instrument of policy and provide safe haven and support to terrorists that terrorism can never be a strategic asset for anyone,” he said.

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In the fight against terrorism, we cannot remain confined to an action-reaction approach.

Modi also linked the SCO’s goal of a secure Eurasia to peace and stability in Afghanistan. He said India would continue providing development assistance and humanitarian aid to Afghans. The Bishkek Declaration expressed deep concern over the Middle East and condemned military strikes on Iran, which it said caused numerous civilian casualties and serious economic damage. The SCO states also offered condolences to Iran.

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We must dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorist financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens. We must speak with one voice and make it clear that there can be no place for double standards on this serious issue.