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Astana (Kazakhstan): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that Terrorism, is one of the biggest violators of human rights and human values and the struggle against terrorism and extremism requires full cooperation between members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Whether the issue is of radicalization, recruitment of terrorists, their training, or financing, until all the countries together do coordinated and strong efforts in this direction, it is impossible to solve these problems, Modi emphasised. In this context, the strong efforts by SCO are highly appreciated, he said adding that he was confident that India-SCO cooperation will provide a new direction and strength to the fight against terrorism.

In regional perspective, peace and stability in Afghanistan can also benefit from SCO’s efforts. SCO can also focus on the problem of environmental change in the global context. In this context, I congratulate I congratulate Kazakhstan and the President for selecting the theme “Future Energy” in Astana Expo 2017.

Full text of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech (translated from Hindi)

Your Excellency President Nursultan Nazarbayev,
Distinguished Leaders of the Members and Observers of the SCO,
Secretary General of the SCO,
UN Secretary General,
Heads of International Organizations,
Excellencies,

First of all, I congratulate President Nazarbayev for the successful leadership of the Shanghai Cooperative Organization. I also congratulate President Nazarbab for our hospitality and for the excellent organization of this conference.

Excellencies,

In the regional and global context, Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a major pillar of peace and security. Today, India will become a member of SCO after maintating the observer status for 12 years. To support our membership, I express heartfelt gratitude to all countries of SCO.

After the expansion of membership, SCO will represent approximately 42% of the world’s population, 20% GDP and 22% of the land. Therefore, the progress of SCO is the advancement of a vast area of earth

Excellencies,

It is true that we are getting the membership of SCO today, but we have a historic relationship with all the countries represented here. Mutual trust and goodwill are the main pillars of our political and economic cooperation. There are many dimensions of our involvement with SCO countries. Energy, education, agriculture, security, minerals, capacity building, development partnership, trade and investment are its major drivers. India’s SCO membership will certainly take our cooperation to new heights.

Excellencies,

Connectivity with SCO countries is India’s priority and we strongly support it. We want connectivity to pave the way for cooperation and trust between future generations and societies of our countries. For this, connectivity initiatives or success of projects and for the sake of acceptance, it is necessary to respect soverignty and regional integrity and it is also essential to ensure inclusivity and sutainibility.

Our decision to join the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Ashkabad Agreement will bring India closer to this region.

Excellencies,

Terrorism is one of the biggest violators of human rights and human values. Therefore, the struggle against terrorism and extremism is an important part of SCO’s cooperation. Whether the issue is of radicalization, recruitment of terrorists, their training, or financing, until all the countries together do coordinated and strong efforts in this direction, it is impossible to solve these problems. In this context, the strong efforts by SCO are highly appreciated. I am confident that India-SCO cooperation will provide a new direction and strength to the fight against terrorism.

In regional perspective, peace and stability in Afghanistan can also benefit from SCO’s efforts. SCO can also focus on the problem of environmental change in the global context. In this context, I congratulate I congratulate Kazakhstan and the President for selecting the theme “Future Energy” in Astana Expo 2017.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today is a historical turning point in the journey of SCO. India is prepared and committed to creating an active and positive partnership with SCO. I once again convey my heartfelt congratulations to President Nazarbayev for the successful organization of this conference. At the same time, I wish all the best to President President Xi Jinping, who will be taking over as Chairman, for the success of upcoming SCO.