PM Modi calls for respect for sovereignty, economic growth, connectivity, and unity among SCO countries

QINGDAO (China): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday known as for recognize for sovereignty, economic expansion, connectivity and solidarity a few of the individuals of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

In his cope with on the Plenary session of the 18th SCO summit right here, Modi coined an acronym 'SECURE' which he defined: 'S' for safety for citizens, 'E' for economic development, 'C' for connectivity in the area, 'U' for solidarity, 'R' for recognize of sovereignty and integrity, 'E' for surroundings protection.

Talking concerning the significance of linking the area with delivery corridors, Modi said connectivity does not handiest mean geographical hyperlink nevertheless it must be certain people-to-people contact.

"India welcomes any such project which is inclusive, sustainable and transparent. And which respects member states' sovereignty and territorial integrity," Modi said, in a veiled dig at China's 'One Belt One Road' (OBOR) challenge.

India has been stridently opposing the challenge as part of it passes thru Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The Prime Minister said connectivity was once key to economic development of the area.

"We have again reached a stage where physical and digital connectivity is changing the definition of geography. Therefore, connectivity with our neighbourhood and in the SCO region is our priority," Modi said.

Modi said India would like to lengthen all cooperation to the SCO and that the bloc gives India immense alternatives to give a boost to friendship with resource-rich Central Asian nations.

Referring to challenges of terrorism, Modi said Afghanistan is an "unfortunate example" of the results of terrorism and extremism.

"I hope the bold steps towards peace taken by President Ghani will be respected by all in the region," he said, referring to a ceasefire announced by way of the Afghan leader for Eid.

In his cope with, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced offering a 30 billion yuan ($four.7 billion) mortgage to SCO for joint tasks.

Noting that handiest 6 according to cent of overseas vacationers in India are from SCO international locations, Prime Minister Modi said this may simply be doubled.

"Increasing awareness of our shared cultures can help boost this number. We will organise a SCO food festival and a Buddhist festival in India," he said.

The Prime Minister arrived right here the day gone by on a two-day discuss with to wait the SCO summit.

It is Modi's 2nd discuss with to China in little over 5 weeks after he travelled to Wuhan in April end for an informal summit with President Xi.

It is for the first time the Indian prime minister attended the SCO summit after India along with Pakistan turned into full-fledged individuals of the grouping, collectively ruled by way of China and Russia, which has been more and more observed as a counter to NATO.

The SCO currently has eight member international locations which represents round 42 according to cent of the sector's inhabitants and 20 according to cent of the global GDP.

The bloc was once founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by way of the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan turned into its individuals remaining year.

Besides Modi, different leaders attending the summit come with President Xi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain.