Bishkek Declaration Highlights India’s Stand on Terrorism

Bishkek Declaration at the 26th SCO Summit

Bishkek Declaration Highlights India’s Stand on Terrorism: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) adopted the Bishkek Declaration during its 26th Summit held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from August 31 to September 1, 2026. Leaders of all member states, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, signed the declaration.

The SCO marked its 25th anniversary at the summit, highlighting its evolution as a major Eurasian political, economic and security grouping.

Static GK fact: The SCO was formally established in 2001 and India became a full member in 2017.

SCO and the “Three Evils”

The SCO has traditionally focused on combating the three major security threats described as the “three evils” — terrorism, separatism and extremism.

The organisation currently has 10 member states: China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Beyond security cooperation, the SCO also promotes collaboration in trade, connectivity, culture and regional development.

Strong Stand Against Terrorism

The Bishkek Declaration strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and declared that double standards in combating terrorism are unacceptable.

SCO members called for stronger international cooperation against terrorism, including the cross-border movement of terrorists. They supported a central role for the United Nations, along with full implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.

The declaration also rejected attempts to exploit terrorist, separatist or extremist organisations for narrow political purposes.

Static GK Tip: The UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy provides a framework for international cooperation against terrorism.

Cyber and Information Security

The declaration highlighted growing concerns over the misuse of the internet for terrorist, separatist and extremist activities.

SCO members agreed to strengthen cooperation in international information security, information protection and combating emerging forms of crime.

This reflects the growing importance of cyber and information domains in regional security.

West Asia and Peaceful Resolution

The SCO expressed deep concern over developments in West Asia and supported a political and diplomatic approach to resolving conflicts.

The declaration reaffirmed support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iran and called for conflicts to be resolved through political and diplomatic means. It also welcomed efforts aimed at de-escalation.

The statement additionally expressed condolences over the death of the Iranian Supreme Leader.

India’s Message: Conflict Has No Borders

Addressing the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the wider consequences of regional conflicts. He argued that instability in one region can affect global energy security, maritime trade and supply chains.

India emphasised that the Global South often bears a disproportionate share of these consequences. Modi reiterated India’s position that tensions and conflicts should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy rather than warfare.

India’s Zero-Tolerance Approach to Terrorism

PM Modi described terrorism as a grave challenge to humanity and argued that responses should go beyond an “action-reaction” approach.

He called for dismantling the complete ecosystem supporting terrorism, including terror financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens. He also stressed that countries must speak with one voice against terrorism and reject double standards.

India further maintained that countries using terrorism as an instrument of state policy or providing support and shelter to terrorists should face a strong international message that terrorism cannot become a strategic tool.

Connectivity Must Respect Sovereignty

India supported stronger connectivity to link markets, facilitate trade and create new economic opportunities.

However, PM Modi stressed that connectivity initiatives must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of every nation. India presented this principle as being consistent with the core spirit of the SCO Charter.

Static GK fact: India has consistently linked its support for regional connectivity with respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

India’s S-C-O Vision

PM Modi recalled India’s three pillars for SCO engagement:

• S – Security
• C – Connectivity
• O – Opportunity

As the SCO completed 25 years, India called for the next phase of cooperation to produce tangible and practical outcomes.

India has also promoted several initiatives under the SCO framework, including the SCO Start-up Forum, Young Authors’ Conclave and Young Scientists’ Forum. The first session of the SCO Civilizational Dialogue Forum, proposed by India, is scheduled to be held in India.

Significance of the Bishkek Declaration

The declaration reflects the SCO’s continuing focus on counter-terrorism, regional stability and cooperation while also addressing emerging concerns such as cyber security.

For India, the summit provided an opportunity to reinforce its positions on terrorism, peaceful conflict resolution and sovereignty-based connectivity. India’s S-C-O vision seeks to move the organisation from broad declarations towards practical cooperation and measurable outcomes.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Bishkek Declaration Highlights India’s Stand on Terrorism: