Connectivity a priority for India, says Modi

Says India’s entry into the SCO family will give a new momentum to the grouping

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke of the need for enhancing connectivity in the region, saying it was the key for boosting trade and investment.

“We have extensive cooperation with SCO nations. We want to deepen the focus on connectivity,” PM Modi was quoted as saying at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit by The Times of India.

“Connectivity with SCO member countries is a priority for India and we whole-heartedly support it. We want connectivity to pave way for enhancing cooperation and confidence among the societies and young people. Respect to sovereignty and regional integrity is necessary. It is also important to ensure inclusivity and sustainability,” the Prime Minister said.



He said that unless strong and coordinated efforts are made, the issues of radicalisation and financing and training of terrorists would be impossible to address.

“Whether it is the issue of radicalisation, recruitment of terrorists, their training and financing, unless we take coordinated and strong efforts, it is impossible to find a solution.”

In his address at the annual summit of the SCO in the Kazakh capital, PM Modi said India’s entry into the SCO family will give a new momentum to the grouping in dealing with terrorism and other pressing challenges facing the region.



The fight against terrorism is an important part of the SCO cooperation, he said.

“Terrorism is a major threat to humanity,” PM Modi said, adding that there was a need for concerted efforts to defeat terrorism and radicalisation.

“I have full confidence that the India-SCO cooperation will give a new direction and strength to the fight against terrorism,” PM Modi said.