As the war in West Asia marks six months with no peace deal in sight, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed leaders at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, emphasizing that conflicts in one region have far-reaching effects on global energy security, maritime trade, and supply chains. He stated that the Global South is disproportionately affected by these crises.

Key Points from Modi's Address

  • Dialogue and Diplomacy: Modi reiterated India's stance that all tensions and conflicts should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy rather than military action.
  • Terrorism as a Global Challenge: He highlighted that terrorism poses a significant threat to humanity, urging a unified approach to dismantle the entire ecosystem of terror financing and support.
  • SCO's Vision: Modi outlined India's vision for the SCO, focusing on Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity.

Context of the Address

During the summit, Modi met with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian for the first time since the onset of the war. He remarked:

"In today’s interconnected world, the scope of security has expanded significantly. The crisis in West Asia has demonstrated that a conflict in one region does not remain confined there. It impacts global energy security, maritime trade, and supply chains."