India on Friday emphasised the need for meaningful cooperation among member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to address emerging global challenges, stating that reformed multilateralism is essential for tackling issues affecting the international community. The remarks were made by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh during the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kyrgyzstan.

Addressing the gathering, Singh said the rapidly changing global order, along with security challenges such as armed conflicts, food and energy insecurity, disrupted supply chains, extreme climate events and uneven economic recovery, has had a disproportionate impact on countries of the Global South. He stressed that the SCO must continue to support an inclusive, representative and multipolar international order based on sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law.

The minister said India’s engagement with the SCO is guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting security, connectivity and opportunity to strengthen regional stability, economic growth and cooperation. He reaffirmed New Delhi’s commitment to working closely with all SCO member states to build an organisation that remains secure, stable, inclusive and responsive to the aspirations of its people.

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Highlighting regional security concerns, Singh called for stronger collective action against terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism. He said the condemnation of terrorism must be unequivocal and urged the SCO to adopt a principled and consistent approach to dismantling terror networks, eliminating safe havens, countering radicalisation, disrupting terror financing and combating drug trafficking.

Singh also announced that India will host the first SCO Civilizational Dialogue Forum later this year. He said the initiative aims to draw upon the civilisational wisdom of member countries to promote cooperation and shared development for future generations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to deliver the keynote address at the inaugural session, and India has invited all SCO member states to participate actively.

Reiterating India’s commitment to regional cooperation, Singh said meaningful collaboration among SCO members would strengthen regional cohesion and help address contemporary global challenges more effectively. He added that India would continue to work constructively with partner nations to ensure that the organisation remains a platform for peace, stability and sustainable development.

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