With both Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping watching, PM Modi used the SCO summit he chaired virtually Tuesday to denounce cross-border terrorism as he asked member-states to unequivocally condemn countries that use it "as an instrument of policy and provide shelter to terrorists".With China having blocked in June the designation of Mumbai attacks accused Sajid Mir as "global terrorist", Modi urged SCO to shun "double standards" in tackling terror.

He sought decisive action to deal with terrorism, calling it the main threat to global and regional peace.

"Regardless of its form or manifestation, we must unite in our fight against terror," Modi said, adding, "We need to enhance mutual cooperation in dealing with terror financing as well."With SCO focused on improving connectivity, Modi said such initiatives can boost trade and mutual trust, but iterated India's position that the sovereignty and integrity of all member-states must be respected in pursuing these efforts.PM touches on Ukraine war, Afghanistan situation in SCO addressChairing Tuesday's SCO summit, PM Narendra Modi underlined that dealing with terrorism was one of SCO's central goals.

"We should also take proactive steps to prevent the spread of radicalisation among our youth," said the PM, adding that a separate joint statement issued after the summit on radicalisation symbolised the shared commitment of SCO.

Like with past summits, the main joint statement, or the New Delhi Declaration, also featured a detailed mention of terrorism.Speaking later at the summit, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif alluded to the Jammu - Kashmir issue by talking about people "under occupation" and minority rights, but without naming India.The SCO Charter doesn't allow discussions on bilateral issues.

Modi also didn't name Pakistan or China while denouncing terror.According to foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra, Modi underlined in the meeting that dealing with terrorism was one of SCO’s central goals."We should also take proactive steps to prevent the spread of radicalization among our youth," said Modi, adding that a separate joint statement issued after the summit on radicalization symbolized the shared commitment of SCO.

Like with past summits, the main joint statement, or the New Delhi Declaration, also featured a detailed mention of terrorism.04:09SCO summit: Without naming Pak, PM Modi takes a dig at 'countries supporting cross-border terror'Modi also touched upon the Ukraine conflict, albeit only in passing, as he said that in a world surrounded by conflicts, tensions and pandemics, food, fuel, and fertilizer crises are a significant challenge for all nations.In his remarks, Modi also focused on the situation in Afghanistan as the member-states ephasised that one of the most important factors in maintaining and strengthening security and stability in the SCO region is ``the soonest settlement’’ of the situation in Afghanistan.

The situation in Afghanistan We must come together to strive for the well-being of the people of Afghanistan.

Humanitarian assistance to Afghan citizens; the formation of an inclusive government; the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking; and ensuring the rights of women, children, and minorities are our shared priorities,’’ he said, adding It is important that Afghanistan's territory is not used to spread instability in neighbouring countries or to encourage extremist ideologies.04:32PM Narendra Modi highlights SCO as an extended family, outlines pillars of vision for security and developmentThe PM also congratulated Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi as Iran was formally included as the ninth member-state of the Eurasian group that also signed a memorandum of obligation for the membership of Belarus.While supporting proposals for reforms and modernization within the SCO, Modi said his government will be happy to share India's AI-based language platform, Bhashini, with everyone to remove language barriers within the SCO."This can serve as an example of digital technology for inclusive growth," he said, adding that SCO can also become an important voice for reforms in global institutions, including the UN.WatchSCO Summit 2023: With Xi Jinping looking on, PM Modi calls out Pakistan’s use of terror