Afghanistan developments highlight challenges posed by growing radicalisation: Modi at SCO summit

Addressing the SCO summit being held in the Tajikistan capital virtually, Modi said: “I believe that the most important challenges today are linked to peace, security and trust deficit. And the main reason for these problems is growing radicalisation.

“The recent developments in Afghanistan have highlighted these challenges more clearly. The SCO should act with priority on this issue.”

He said that Central Asia has always remained a bastion of moderate and progressive culture and values.

He also said that India is committed to increasing its connectivity with Central Asia.

“We believe that landlocked Central Asian countries can benefit immensely by connecting with the India' market," the Prime Minister said.

He added that any connectivity initiative cannot be a one-way street.

“To ensure mutual trust, connectivity projects should be consultative, transparent and participatory, and respect the territorial integrity of all countries,” Modi said, and added that India has invested in Iran’s Chabahar port and in the International North South Transport Corridor.

Earlier, he congratulated Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon for holding the summit in a hybrid format and for steering the SCO in challenging times during its presidency of the grouping.

He also welcomed Iran as the newest member of the bloc and welcomed Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt as new dialogue partners, and said the joining of new members and dialogue partners highlights the growing importance of SCO.

He said that the 20th anniversary of SCO is also the right time to think of the future of the grouping.