Astana [Kazakhstan], Noting that terrorism in any form cannot be justified and continues to be used by nations as a tool of destabilization, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that cross-border terrorism requires a decisive response and that terrorist financing must be countered effectively. .

In his remarks at the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting, Prime Minister Modi emphasized reliable and resilient supply chains and said 'Make in India' can contribute to global growth engines and help democratize the global economy.

Prime Minister Modi's remarks were delivered by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who was present at the meeting. The theme of the meeting was "Strengthening multilateral dialogue - striving for sustainable peace and development". Prime Minister Modi noted that the world is moving inexorably towards true multipolarity and while the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) only will be more important, its true value will depend on how well its members cooperate with each other.

"The world is currently undergoing profound changes driven by geopolitical tensions, geoeconomic forces and geotechnological advances. All of them have radical implications. When we look to the future, both immediate and systemic challenges and opportunities arise," Prime Minister Modi said. the said.

"Even as we address them, let us make it clear that the world is moving inexorably towards real multipolarity. In such a scenario, the SCO will only become more important. But its true value would depend on how well we all cooperate with each other. We have already had that discussion within the SCO. The same applies to the extended family as well," he added. Prime Minister Modi said that the SCO cannot have double standards on the issue of fighting terrorism. He made a veiled criticism of Pakistan over cross-border terrorism and said that terrorism would surely take the first place among the challenges for many of the member countries.

"The truth is that nations continue to use it as a tool of destabilization. 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 tolerated. Terrorists need to be harbored. "Terrorism Cross-border crime requires a decisive response and terrorist financing and recruitment must be effectively countered. The SCO must never waver in its commitment. We cannot have double standards in this regard,” Prime Minister Modi said.

"When it comes to geo-economics, the need of the hour is to create multiple, reliable and resilient supply chains. This is an important lesson from the Covid experience. 'Make in India' can help drive global growth and help democratize the global economy "India is open to partnering with others in capacity building, especially nations from the Global South," he added. The Prime Minister said that the technology is not only very promising, but is increasingly a game-changer in both development as in security.

"The digital era needs more trust and transparency. AI and cybersecurity raise crucial questions in their own right. At the same time, India has shown that digital public infrastructure and digital financial inclusion can make a big difference. Both were discussed during our SCO Presidency also expand the scope of international cooperation, involving SCO members and partners," he said.

The Prime Minister said that while we remain steadfast in the face of challenges, it is equally important to actively and collaboratively explore avenues for progress. He said that new connectivity links must be respectful of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

"The current global debate is focused on creating new links of connectivity that better serve a rebalanced world. For this to gain serious momentum, the joint efforts of many are required. It must also be respectful of sovereignty and territorial integrity of States and build on non-discriminatory trade and transit rights for neighbors. For the extended SCO family, we highlight the recent progress made at the Chabahar port through a long-term agreement between India and India. Iran This is not only of great value to landlocked countries in Central Asia, but also reduces the risks of trade between India and Eurasia, said Prime Minister Modi.

Referring to Afghanistan, Prime Minister Modi said that India has a historic people-to-people relationship which is the basis of bilateral relations. "Our cooperation spans development projects, humanitarian assistance, capacity building and sports." He said India remains sensitive to the needs and aspirations of the Afghan people.

Prime Minister Modi said the extended SCO family shares the commitment to reform the current international order.

"This will only be possible when such efforts are extended to the United Nations and its Security Council. We hope that in the near future we can develop a strong consensus on the way forward." The Prime Minister said India has contributed significantly to improving the economic agenda of the SCO.

"We have institutionalized mechanisms like the SCO Startup Forum and the Special Task Force on Startups and Innovation. With 130,000 Startups in India, including 100 unicorns, our experience can be useful to others."

Noting that WHO has set up a World Center for Traditional Medicine in Gujarat, he said India has taken the initiative to set up a new SCO Working Group on Traditional Medicine.The Prime Minister said improving education, training and Capacity development are key pillars of India's international cooperation.

"We are committed to continuing to build on them, whether with the C5 partners, or with those of 'Neighborhood First' or the expanded neighborhood. As more countries seek to associate with the SCO as observers or dialogue partners, we must strive to communicate better and go deeper "Our consensus will be crucial. Grant English the status of an official third language.

Prime Minister Modi congratulated Kazakhstan for hosting a successful summit. "As Vishwa Bandhu, or friend of the world, India will always strive to deepen cooperation with all its partners. We also extend our best wishes for the success of the upcoming Chinese presidency of the SCO," he said.