Modi takes aim at ChinaPak corridor
‘Connectivity must not impinge on sovereignty’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday used India’s new membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to pitch for coordinated efforts to combat terror and enhance connectivity without impinging on sovereignty and territorial integrity, indirectly flagging key concerns with Pakistan and China.
In his address at the annual summit in the Kazakhstan capital of Astana, where Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping were part of the audience, Modi hoped India’s entry into the grouping will give new momentum to dealing with terror.
Modi did not name any country but it was clear he was referring to India’s concerns about Pakistan-backed terror groups and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
“Terrorism is violation of human rights and basic human values...Whether it is the issue of radicalisation, recruitment of terrorists, training and financ- ing, unless we take coordinated and strong efforts, it is not possible to find a solution,” he said.
“I have full confidence that the India-SCO cooperation will give a new direction and strength to the fight against terrorism,” he added.
The Indian government has maintained cross-border terror emanating from Pakistan is the biggest threat to regional peace and security.