Modi corners Pakistan on terrorism, advises China not to impinge sovereignty through OBOR

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today strongly pitched for coordinated efforts among SCO members to combat the menace of terrorism and enhance connectivity without impinging on sovereignty and territorial integrity.

It is impossible to reach a solution till all make concerted efforts, on radicalization, terrorist recruitment, training and financing issues, PM Modi said at the meet where leaders of all member countries were present including Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

Modi further added that terrorism is one of the chief violators of human rights and values.


"We have full faith that SCO would give new push to fight terrorism," Modi added.

The Indian prime minister also underlined India's commitment to trade in various sectors including energy, education, security, minerals, development partnership, investment etc.

While emphasising that connectivity with SCO countries is India's top priority, Modi said that such projects should not impinge a country's sovereignty.

"We have extensive cooperation with SCO nations. We want to deepen the focus on connectivity," he said.

His remarks assume significance as they come weeks after India boycotted the high-profile Belt and Road Forum held in Beijing in which 29 world leaders took part. India had highlighted how China's OBOR project is hampering the sovereignty of participating countries.

Modi also thanked SCO members for inclusion of India in the organisation. India abstained from the Summit to highlight its concerns over the USD 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor which is part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the pet project of Xi, and passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Modi said that the SCO will help in bringing peace in war-torn Afghanistan.

The Prime Minister also called for efforts by the SCO to tackle climate change.

Speaking after Modi, Nawaz Sharif also congratulated India on joining SCO and said that the organisation gives a shared platform to fight terrorism.

Sharif also claimed that the OBOR project is for the benefit of all.

"The SCO's expansion takes place at an opportune time when OBOR is expanding. The mega project will benefit the SCO community," he said.