Strong and trusted connectivity initiatives are vital for the progress and prosperity of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) members, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told a meeting of the group’s leaders on Tuesday.

“We must transform our shared geography into shared opportunities,” Modi told the assembled leaders – including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping – at the 26th summit of the grouping in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek.

The SCO is the world’s largest grouping by geographic area and population, and its members together account for about a fourth of the world’s GDP. India and China are also among the fastest growing major economies in the world, with India posting 7.8% GDP growth in the April-June quarter amid macroeconomic headwinds.

Interconnecting markets would help the grouping further leverage its economic heft and exploit the resources and talent of the member countries.

Modi emphasized that India supports connectivity efforts that link markets, enhance trade, and open new opportunities for development, but cautioned that such efforts should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.

The Indian prime minister noted that technology, entrepreneurship, innovation, start-ups, and people-to-people initiatives open immense opportunities for people in the SCO countries. He appreciated the focus on youth engagement under Kyrgyzstan’s presidency of the grouping.

The real measure of success should be in the new opportunities created for young people, the new markets opened for entrepreneurs, the farmers who have benefited from technology, and the improved quality of life of citizens, Modi posted on X.

The Indian leader also called for “committed action” to dismantle terror ecosystems and stressed there should be no “double standards” in the fight against terrorism.

On Monday, Modi met with Putin on the sidelines of the summit and discussed bilateral ties, including expanding trade links. The Indian prime minister advocated for a peaceful settlement to the Ukraine conflict, and said national interest will remain the guiding principle of India-Russia relations.