SCO must work unitedly to dismantle terror ecosystem: PM Modi
“We must speak in one voice that there can be no place for double standards in dealing with terrorism,” PM Modi said
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Context
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the (SCO) summit, strongly advocated for a united effort to dismantle terrorist ecosystems and their funding mechanisms, highlighting the danger of 'double standards' in global counter-terrorism. He also emphasized the necessity of dialogue over conflict and stated that regional connectivity projects must respect national sovereignty, implicitly addressing concerns surrounding China's .
UPSC Perspectives
International Relations
The (SCO) is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance, originally established in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan (India and Pakistan joined in 2017). India views the SCO through the lens of multilateralism, using the platform to engage with Central Asian countries, a region critical for India's energy security and strategic interests. The Prime Minister outlined India’s vision for the SCO as resting on three pillars: security, connectivity, and opportunity. However, India's participation is complex, as it must navigate relationships with rivals like China and Pakistan within the same forum. The reference to respecting 'sovereignty and territorial integrity' is a consistent Indian position rejecting the (BRI), particularly the (CPEC), which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), thus violating Indian sovereignty. UPSC often asks about the strategic significance of the SCO for India, comparing it with other groupings like the Quad, and assessing the challenges posed by China's dominant role.
Internal Security
India has consistently utilized international platforms to build a consensus on counter-terrorism, focusing heavily on cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. The term 'ecosystem of terrorism' refers to the broader network of radicalization, safe havens, ideological support, and financing that sustains terrorist groups, rather than just the militant foot soldiers. India's strategy involves isolating states that sponsor terrorism and pushing for strong international mechanisms against terrorist financing, such as through the (FATF). The Prime Minister's warning against 'double standards' addresses the practice where some nations condemn certain terrorist groups while tolerating or supporting others for strategic gains (e.g., distinguishing between 'good' and 'bad' terrorists). For the UPSC Mains (GS-3), understanding the linkages between international organizations and internal security, particularly the role of the (RATS) under the SCO, is crucial for evaluating India's multifaceted approach to mitigating terrorism.
Geopolitical
The Prime Minister's assertion that 'no solution can be found on battlefields' reflects India's traditional diplomatic posture advocating for peaceful conflict resolution through dialogue. This stance is particularly relevant in the context of ongoing global conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, where India has maintained a delicate balancing act, emphasizing the UN Charter and international law while avoiding direct condemnation of its strategic partner, Russia. This approach underscores India's pursuit of strategic autonomy, where foreign policy decisions are driven by national interests rather than alliance pressures. The call for diplomacy aligns with India's self-projection as a 'Vishwa Mitra' (friend of the world) and a responsible global actor capable of mediating disputes. In the UPSC context, questions frequently explore the evolution of India's non-aligned foreign policy to issue-based alignments and its role as a potential peacemaker in a multipolar world.