PM's opening remarks at the SCO Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan

Published By : Admin | June 9, 2017 | 13:53 IST
QuoteWe have extensive cooperation with SCO nations. We want to deepen the focus on connectivity: PM
QuoteTerrorism is a major threat to humanity: PM Narendra Modi at SCO Summit
QuoteSCO can devote attention towards climate change: PM Modi

Your Excellency President Noorsultan Nazarbayev, Distinguished Leaders, Members and Observers of the SCO, Secretary General of the SCO, UN Secretary General, Heads of International organizations, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen!

At the outset, I extend my hearty congratulations to President Nazarbayev for successfully leading Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Kindly also accept my appreciation for the excellent organisation and hospitality rendered to all of us during this conference. Shanghai Cooperation Corporation is the main pillar of peace and security at the regional and global levels.

|

Excellencies, 

It is a privilege that India will today gain accession to the SCO after 12 years of Observer ship. I am truly grateful to all the nations which supported our accession to the SCO. With this expansion of members, SCO is slated to represent approximately 42% population, 20% GDP and 22% geographies of the entire world. It is evident that the success of SCO reflects the prosperity and development of a huge part of the globe.

Excellencies,

India may be gaining accession to SCO on this day; however, we have behind us, a truly long standing historical relation with each of you members. Trust and goodwill are the main pillars of our political and economic cooperation which is built on trust and bona fides. There are many dimensions of our co-participation with SCO countries. The chief drivers of cooperation are the sectors of Energy, education, agriculture, security, minerals capacity building, development partnership, trade and investment. I am certainly hopeful that our accession to SCO will lead our nations to newer heights of development.

Excellencies,

India has kept connectivity with SCO nations at top priority and we fully support it. We envision that our future generations will only strengthen the march towards success and prosperity of our nations due to various connectivity initiatives. For this to be successful we have to make regional cooperation between the member nations highly robust. The success of our connectivity initiatives and other projects will depend highly upon acceptance, solidarity, regional cooperation as well as inclusivity and sustainability. We consider ourselves fortunate to be a part of International North-South Transport Corridor and Chahabahar Agreement. Our decision to join Ashkhabad agreement will certainly help India establish itself a strong foothold in this domain.

|

Excellencies,

Terrorism is corroding the human rights and human values among nationals. Hence, SCO’s role in curbing Terrorism and Extremism is commendable. Be it the burning issue of radicalization, recruitments and training of terrorists, or financing of these outfits, if we member nations do not join hands and make joint concerted efforts, we will never be able to achieve security and peace in our nations. I repose full faith in the collaboration between SCO and India in fortifying our fight in ousting terrorist outfits.

In regional perspective, Afghanistan can also benefit greatly from SCO's efforts in reinstating peace and stability in the country. The need of the hour is that SCO needs to take up initiatives on the problem of climate change in the global context at war footing. In this context, I must congratulate Kazakhstan and the vision of the President in selecting a very pertinent theme of "Future Energy" in Astana Expo 2017.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, it is indeed a landmark day for SCO. India is fully prepared to play an active role in aligning itself with the vision of SCO, and will collaborate unequivocally in the development process. Once again, I express my earnest thanks to President Nazarbayev for the successful organisation of this conference. I also extend my best wishes to President Xi Jinping for the forthcoming SCO conference.

Thank you!

Explore More
ਹਰ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਦਾ ਖੂਨ ਖੌਲ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ: ਮਨ ਕੀ ਬਾਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਮੋਦੀ

Popular Speeches

ਹਰ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਦਾ ਖੂਨ ਖੌਲ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ: ਮਨ ਕੀ ਬਾਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਮੋਦੀ
Make (more) in India: India switches to factory settings for niche electronics

Media Coverage

Make (more) in India: India switches to factory settings for niche electronics
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
...
Prime Minister congratulates eminent personalities nominated to Rajya Sabha by the President of India
July 13, 2025

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to four distinguished individuals who have been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the President of India.

In a series of posts on social media platform X, the Prime Minister highlighted the contributions of each nominee.

The Prime Minister lauded Shri Ujjwal Nikam for his exemplary devotion to the legal profession and unwavering commitment to constitutional values. He said Shri Nikam has been a successful lawyer who played a key role in important legal cases and consistently worked to uphold the dignity of common citizens. Shri Modi welcomed his nomination to the Rajya Sabha and wished him success in his parliamentary role.

The Prime Minister said;

“Shri Ujjwal Nikam’s devotion to the legal field and to our Constitution is exemplary. He has not only been a successful lawyer but also been at the forefront of seeking justice in important cases. During his entire legal career, he has always worked to strengthen Constitutional values and ensure common citizens are always treated with dignity. It’s gladdening that the President of India has nominated him to the Rajya Sabha. My best wishes for his Parliamentary innings.”

Regarding Shri C. Sadanandan Master, the Prime Minister described his life as a symbol of courage and resistance to injustice. He said that despite facing violence and intimidation, Shri Sadanandan Master remained committed to national development. The Prime Minister also praised his contributions as a teacher and social worker and noted his passion for youth empowerment. He congratulated him on being nominated to the Rajya Sabha by Rashtrapati Ji and wished him well in his new responsibilities.

The Prime Minister said;

“Shri C. Sadanandan Master’s life is the epitome of courage and refusal to bow to injustice. Violence and intimidation couldn’t deter his spirit towards national development. His efforts as a teacher and social worker are also commendable. He is extremely passionate towards youth empowerment. Congratulations to him for being nominated to the Rajya Sabha by Rahstrapati Ji. Best wishes for his role as MP.”

On the nomination of Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla, the Prime Minister stated that he has distinguished himself as a diplomat, intellectual, and strategic thinker. He appreciated Shri Shringla’s contributions to India’s foreign policy and his role in India’s G20 Presidency. The Prime Minister said he is glad to see him nominated to the Rajya Sabha and expressed confidence that his insights will enrich parliamentary debates.

The Prime Minister said;

“Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla Ji has excelled as a diplomat, intellectual and strategic thinker. Over the years, he’s made key contributions to India’s foreign policy and also contributed to our G20 Presidency. Glad that he’s been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by President of India. His unique perspectives will greatly enrich Parliamentary proceedings.
@harshvshringla”

Commenting on the nomination of Dr. Meenakshi Jain, the Prime Minister said it is a matter of immense joy. He acknowledged her distinguished work as a scholar, researcher, and historian, and noted her contributions to education, literature, history, and political science. He extended his best wishes for her tenure in the Rajya Sabha.

The Prime Minister said;

“It’s a matter of immense joy that Dr. Meenakshi Jain Ji has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by Rashtrapati Ji. She has distinguished herself as a scholar, researcher and historian. Her work in the fields of education, literature, history and political science have enriched academic discourse significantly. Best wishes for her Parliamentary tenure.
@IndicMeenakshi”