Bishkek: In a powerful assertion of India’s stance on regional security, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a stern, veiled warning to Pakistan regarding state-sponsored terrorism during the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Tuesday.
Speaking in the same room as Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, PM Modi unequivocally stated, “Terrorism cannot be a strategic asset for anyone.”
Without naming Islamabad directly, the Prime Minister launched a scathing attack on nations that use terrorism as an instrument of state policy. “Double standards in dealing with terrorism cannot be tolerated at all; everyone must raise their voice together. We must destroy the entire ecosystem of terrorism—its funding, recruitment, radicalisation, and safe havens,” PM Modi said.
Foreign policy experts note that the Prime Minister’s choice of words—specifically targeting “strategic assets” and the “entire ecosystem”—was a direct reference to Pakistan’s long-standing policy of sheltering anti-India terror groups.
Beyond counter-terrorism, PM Modi heavily underscored the importance of a stable Afghanistan. “Our shared aspiration for a peaceful and secure Eurasia is linked to peace and stability in Afghanistan,” he remarked, identifying the war-torn country as a crucial factor in regional security.
Reaffirming New Delhi’s commitment to the Afghan people, irrespective of the regime in power, PM Modi stated, “India has been contributing to the development and humanitarian assistance of the people of Afghanistan and will continue to do so.” This aligns with India’s recent diplomatic manoeuvres, including raising its budgetary allocation for Afghanistan from ₹100 crore to ₹150 crore for 2026-27 and accepting a Taliban-appointed chargé d’affaires in Kabul earlier this year.
Dr Anwesha Ghosh, an expert at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), noted that India is deepening its relationship with Afghanistan pragmatically, without granting formal recognition to the Taliban.
The setting and timing of the address were highly strategic. According to Dr A.K. Pasha, retired professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, delivering this message directly in front of the Pakistani leadership at a major multilateral forum like the SCO highlights a shift in New Delhi’s approach. Experts believe the address served as a clear indicator that India has moved past a mere ‘action-reaction’ policy, aiming instead to address the root causes of regional instability on a global stage.