Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his opening remarks at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on Monday, stressed that connectivity projects which bypass sovereignty “lose trust and meaning.”

Citing India’s initiatives such as the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor, Modi said connectivity should be inclusive, respect regional identities, and foster development. His comments come against the backdrop of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Highlighting Opportunity as a pillar of India’s SCO vision, Modi said New Delhi worked to take the grouping “beyond governments,” connecting people, youth, scholars, and startups. He also proposed creating a Civilisation Dialogue Forum to strengthen cultural ties and showcase ancient traditions and literature.

Reaffirming India’s growth model, the PM said the nation follows the mantra of “Reform, Perform, and Transform,” turning challenges such as Covid, economic crises, and global disruptions into opportunities. He underlined that India’s development approach extends to regional cooperation and invited SCO partners to join India’s growth journey.

Welcoming reforms in the SCO, Modi noted the creation of four new centres to tackle organised crime, drug trafficking, and cyber security, reflecting the bloc’s “reform-oriented mindset.”