Tianjin: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today delivered a strong and uncompromising message on terrorism at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, openly calling out nations that support terror networks. His remarks came in the presence of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, adding weight and political edge to the moment.
Speaking at the summit, Modi directly linked terrorism to the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were brutally killed. He expressed gratitude to countries that stood in solidarity with India during the crisis, while questioning the legitimacy of nations that provide open backing to terror groups.
“Security, peace and stability are critical for every country’s development. Terrorism, separatism and radicalism remain the biggest obstacles on this path. Terrorism is not the problem of one nation alone; it is a threat to humanity as a whole,” Modi said, as he emphasized that the SCO must stand united against this menace.
Rejecting any tolerance for double standards, the Prime Minister stressed that terrorism must be opposed in all forms and shades. He warned that selective silence or conditional opposition only emboldens extremists. “Can open support for terrorism by some countries ever be acceptable to us? We must say clearly no double standards will be tolerated in this fight,” he declared.
Highlighting India’s four-decade-long battle with terror, Modi recalled the countless lives lost, particularly mothers who lost their children to extremist violence. Referring to the recent attack in Pahalgam, he called it “an attack not just on India’s soul, but a challenge to every nation that believes in humanity.”
The Indian leader underlined that SCO’s foundation rests on Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity, with security being the foremost pillar. Without stability, he argued, neither economic growth nor regional cooperation can succeed.
All eyes are now on the SCO’s joint statement, which will signal whether Eurasian powers, particularly China and Russia, align with India’s firm stand. The timing of Modi’s remarks is significant, coming nearly four months after the Pahalgam attack and India’s counter-offensive under Operation Sindoor.
By raising the issue before Sharif and global leaders, Modi ensured that India’s position against terrorism was not just heard but placed firmly at the heart of the SCO’s agenda.