SCO summit calls for united fight against terrorism

The 17th Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) Summit held in Kazakhstan capital Astana has called for putting up a united fight against terrorism. All members countries of the regional grouping signed 11 documents including one on combating extremism. Astana Declaration was, later, released at the end of the summit. All members described India's accession to SCO as historic and said it would strengthen security and promote regional cooperation among member countries.

India and Pakistan became full members of SCO, the first-ever expansion of the group since its formation in 2001. With the accession, the strength of the grouping rose to eight and its footprints expanded from Central Asia to South Asia.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who attended the summit, thanked SCO member countries for giving support to India's



induction. He said, India will work together with the grouping for peace and development in the region. Mr Modi also appealed to the world leaders to fight terrorism in any form. He said, concerted efforts are required to find a solution to recruitment, training and financing of terrorists.

The Prime Minister also strongly pitched for enhancing connectivity without impinging on sovereignty and territorial integrity. On the sidelines of the summit, Mr Modi held bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani and heads of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. 

Mr Modi also exchanged greetings with his Pakistan counterpart Nawaz Sharif and both leaders were seen sharing the table during lunch at the summit. The Prime Minister returned home in the early hours today.