Modi Criticises Pakistan, China’s Policies on Terrorism and Connectivity at SCO Summit

New Delhi: In thinly-veiled attacks on Pakistan for its record on terrorism and China on the connectivity front in relation to its Belt and Road Intitative in the PoK region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday informed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit that cross-border terrorism needed a “decisive response” while national sovereignty should be respected in connectivity projects.

Modi's comments were delivered by External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar at the summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. The summit was attended by several heads of state including Chinese President Xi Jinping; Modi did not attend in the physical format.

The SCO comprises nine members — Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and Iran, along with the four Central Asian nations of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic. Belarus is joining the grouping as its 10th member.

Modi’s comments are being seen as criticism of Pakistan in the wake of the recent Poonch and Reasi attacks in J&K that were believed to have been carried out by Pakistani terrorists who infiltrated from across the LoC.

The comments on connectivity are being seen as a criticism of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a Beijing-led global connectivity project that India has refused to join since the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the BRI, passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) which India regards as its territory that was illegally occupied by Pakistan in 1947-48.

Modi stated, “Priority must naturally be given to combating terrorism, one of the original goals of the SCO. Many of us have had our experiences, often originating beyond our borders. Let us be clear that if left unchecked, it can become a major threat to regional and global peace. Terrorism in any form or manifestation cannot be justified or condoned."

“The international community must isolate and expose those countries that harbour terrorists, provide safe havens and condone terrorism. Cross-border terrorism requires a decisive response and terrorism financing and recruitment must be resolutely countered. We should also take proactive steps to prevent the spread of radicalization among our youth. The Joint Statement issued during India’s Presidency last year on this subject underlines our shared commitment.”

On connectivity, the Prime Minister stated, “Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is essential for connectivity and infrastructure projects. So too are non-discriminatory trade rights and transit regimes. The SCO needs to deliberate seriously on these aspects….”.

The Prime Minister further stated, “It is particularly noteworthy that we are reiterating mutual respect for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, equality, mutual benefit, non-interference in internal affairs, non-use of force or threat of use of force as a basis for our foreign policies. We have also agreed not to take any measures contrary to the principles of state sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

He added, “We gather today in the backdrop of pandemic impact, ongoing conflicts, rising tensions, trust deficits and increasing number of hotspots around the world. These events have put significant strain on international relations and global economic growth. They have aggravated some of the problems that have emanated from globalization. Our gathering is aimed at finding common ground to mitigate the consequences of these developments. The SCO occupies a prominent place in our foreign policy. … The SCO is a principle-based organisation, whose consensus drives the approach of its member states.”

Modi also stated, “Another prominent concern before us today is of climate change. We are working towards achieving committed reduction in emissions, including transition to alternate fuels, adoption of electric vehicles, and building climate-resilient infrastructure. In this context, during India’s SCO presidency, a Joint Statement on emerging fuels, and a Concept Paper on de-carbonization in the transportation sector were approved.”

On technology and artificial intelligence (AI), he said, “We have to make technology creative and apply it to the welfare and progress of our societies. India is among the countries to formulate a National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence and the launch of an AI Mission. Our commitment to ‘AI for All’ is also reflected in working within the SCO framework on a Roadmap for AI cooperation.”

In separate remarks at the extended format meeting later, that were once again read out by Dr Jaishankar, Modi opposed "double standards" on the issue of terrorism which he termed the “foremost challenge,” adding that the “SCO must never waver in its commitment” to counter this menace.

In another thinly-veiled reference towards Pakistan, Modi stated, “Speaking of challenges, terrorism would surely rank foremost for many of us. The truth is that it continues to be used by nations as a tool of destabilisation. We have had our own experiences with cross-border terrorism. Let us be clear that terrorism in any form or manifestation cannot be justified or condoned. Harbouring terrorists must be strongly condemned. Cross-border terrorism requires a decisive response and terrorism financing and recruitment must be effectively countered. The SCO must never waver in its commitment. We cannot have double standards in this regard.”

Modi once again mentioned the connectivity initiative by India and some other countries through the Iranian port of Chabahar. “For the SCO extended family, we flag the progress made on Chabahar port recently through a long-term agreement between India and Iran. This not only holds great value to landlocked Central Asian states but also de-risks commerce between India and Eurasia,” he stated.

Modi further stated, “As more countries seek association with SCO as Observers or Dialogue Partners, we must strive to communicate better and deepen our consensus. Granting English the status of a third official language will be crucial.”

Offering to share India’s expertise with SCO member-nations in start-ups, Modi stated, “India has contributed significantly to enhancing the economic agenda of the SCO. We have institutionalised mechanisms like the SCO Startup Forum and Special Working Group on Startup and Innovation. With 1,30,000 start-ups in India, including 100 unicorns, our experience can be useful to others.”