Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an indirect attack on neighbouring Pakistan on Friday told the leaders of member states at the SCO summit that countries that provide encouragement, support, and finances to terrorism must be held accountable.
Addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek, PM Modi said all humanitarian powers must come forward together to tackle the danger of terrorism.
PM Modi’s remarks come when Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is also attending the summit.
He further asserted that literature and culture could play a significant role in curbing the spread of radicalization among the youth.
PM Modi also elaborated on his visit to Sri Lanka last week where, he said, he had witnessed the ugly face of terrorism that took away the lives of many innocent people.
Speaking on India’s contribution, PM Modi said India has been a permanent member of the SCO for two years and has given a positive contribution in all the activities of organisation.
“We have continued engagements to enhance SCO’s role and credibility on the international stage,” the Prime Minister added.
Earlier on Thursday, Modi, in his first multi-lateral summit after his re-election as India’s prime minister, made it clear to Chinese President Xi Jinping that there was no question of India resuming dialogue with Pakistan until Islamabad created an atmosphere free of terrorism in the region.
He asserted that India has not seen any change in Pakistan’s attitude on dealing with terrorism emanating from its soil. He added that all efforts by New Delhi for peace with Islamabad had been derailed.
The PM reached Bishkek via Oman, Iran and Central Asian countries bypassing Pakistani airspace. The Indian government had initially requested Pakistan to grant exception to PM Modi’s aircraft. Islamabad had acceded to the request but the Indian government then did a change of plans.