Speaking at the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek on 1 September 2026, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi called for the grouping to move from dialogue to “tangible outcomes”, centred on India’s three pillars of Security, Connectivity and Opportunity. On security, the PM called for collective action against terrorism, including its financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens, while stressing the need to avoid double standards. He linked regional security to stability in Afghanistan and warned that conflicts can disrupt energy, maritime trade and global supply chains. On connectivity, the PM backed better transport links, simpler customs and digital documentation, while stressing respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity. On Opportunity, he called for SCO cooperation to deliver greater benefits to citizens, particularly through youth engagement, entrepreneurship, technology and people-to-people ties. The PM highlighted India’s SCO initiatives and the upcoming SCO Civilizational Dialogue Forum, positioning India’s approach around practical cooperation alongside security and regional connectivity.