PM Modi stresses security and connectivity at SCO Summit, meets Putin for bilateral talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, highlighting India’s vision for regional cooperation under three pillars: Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity.

He urged SCO member states to adopt a unified stance against terrorism, stressing that double standards in combating terror cannot be accepted.

Modi referenced the recent Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, noting that India has been at the forefront of the fight against cross-border terrorism for decades.

During his speech, Modi emphasized that India seeks to strengthen regional connectivity while respecting national sovereignty, reiterating the importance of collaborative growth and sustainable development.

His “Security, Connectivity, Opportunity” framework aimed to address both traditional and non-traditional security threats, enhance trade links, and create opportunities for all SCO members through economic integration.

On the sidelines of the summit, Modi held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The discussions underscored the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” between India and Russia, particularly in the energy sector.

Modi highlighted the robustness of India-Russia energy ties, stressing cooperation amidst global pressures such as the US tariffs imposed on Indian oil imports from Russia. Both leaders discussed collaboration on Ukraine-related diplomacy and regional stability.

Modi and Putin traveled together in the same car to the venue, a gesture reported by media outlets as part of their interaction during the summit.

The SCO Summit in Tianjin brought together leaders from member countries, including China, Russia, Pakistan, and Central Asian states, to discuss regional security, trade, and cooperation. Modi’s address and bilateral interactions were part of India’s official participation in the summit.

Modi’s engagement at the summit also reflected a careful balancing of India’s global diplomacy. While reiterating India’s commitment to peaceful resolutions at borders, he underscored the need for collective regional cooperation on security and trade issues.

Visuals from the summit showed Modi walking alongside Putin and interacting cordially with other SCO leaders, highlighting India’s active role in multilateral diplomacy.

The SCO Summit provided a platform for India to reinforce its strategic priorities, including combating terrorism, enhancing regional connectivity, and fostering economic collaboration.

Modi’s bilateral talks with Putin further strengthened India’s position in global energy partnerships and signaled continuity in strategic diplomacy amid a shifting geopolitical landscape.