Must stand unified against double standards in terrorism, says PM Modi at SCO summit

By R Anil Kumar

• SCO leaders condemn Pahalgam terror attack, demand justice

• The Member States strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025. They expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the dead and the wounded. They further stated that perpetrators, organisers and sponsors of such attacks must be brought to justice,” reads the declaration

• Tianjin Declaration of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO): “The Member States strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025. They expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the dead and the wounded. They further stated that perpetrators, organisers and sponsors of such attacks must be brought to justice,” reads the declaration

Tianjin, China. “Terrorism is a collective challenge to humanity,” said PM Modi at the SCO summit. “India has been emphasising on unity in fighting terrorism as no country and society can feel safe from this scourge.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the plenary session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit at Tianjin, China Monday, 1 September, said that We all Must stand unified against double standards on terrorism.

“India has taken Lead in Fight Against Terrorism”, Says PM Modi At SCO Summit

“Any kind of double standard is not acceptable on the issue of terrorism,” says PM Narendra Modi, addressing the plenary session of the 25th SCO Heads of State Council Summit.

Pahalgam strike was open challenge to those believing in humanity said PM Modi

“The Pahalgam strike was not only an attack on India, but it was an open challenge to countries, people believing in humanity,” said Mr. Modi.

“I thank all friendly nations which stood by us following the attack.”

“Terrorism, separatism and extremism are major challenges to peace, prosperity and stability of any nation.”

“India has been emphasising on unity in fighting terrorism as no country and society can feel safe from this scourge,” he said.

“…India has taken the lead in the fight against terror outfits like Al-Qaeda and its associates, and we oppose any kind of terror-financing. We have recently seen the brutal Pahalgam terror attack. I thank all the friendly nations who stood with us….”

‘No Double Standards, Nations Backing Terror Must Be Held Accountable,’ Says PM Modi

Referring to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, PM Modi used the SCO Summit platform to issue a strong message against nations that openly back terrorism.

“The question arises—can open support to terrorism by some countries be acceptable to us?” he asked, stressing that there must be “no double standards” in the global fight against terrorism.

In the presence of Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif at the SCO, PM Modi, in a strong message, said that terrorism must be opposed in every form without exception or double standards.

Referring to the recent Pahalgam attack, the Prime Minister questioned whether open support for terrorism by certain nations can ever be acceptable.

PM Modi Naming Al-Qaeda, Says Nations Backing Terror Must Be Held Accountable.

PM Modi noted that terrorism and separatism remain among the most serious threats to global peace. Calling terrorism a “shared challenge for all of humanity,” he said the menace is not limited to India but continues to endanger the entire world. PM Modi named groups like Al Qaeda while stressing the urgent need for stronger collective action against radicalisation and terror financing.

The strong message against terrorism comes months after the terror attack of Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, in which terrorists found to have links with Pakistan killed 26 people, mostly civilians.

‘Come, Join India’s Development Journey,’ says PM Modi At SCO

PM Modi said that India is progressing with the guiding principle of Reform, Perform, and Transform. He noted that despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic instability, India has turned obstacles into opportunities.

Highlighting the country’s growth trajectory, he added, “Today, India is exploring new opportunities. We invite you to be a part of India’s journey of development.”

SCO can become a guide to multilateralism and inclusive world order, said PM Modi

In his address at the plenary session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the SCO could become a guide to multilateralism and an inclusive world order.

“SCO members can increase cooperation for reforms in global institutions; we can unanimously call for UN reform,” he said.

“Keeping the aspirations of the Global South confined in outdated frameworks is a grave injustice to future generations.”

SCO Grouping Rests on Pillars of Security, Connectivity and Opportunity, Says PM Modi

PM Modi, addressing the plenary session of the SCO Summit in Tianjin, said the grouping rests on three key pillars — security, connectivity, and opportunity.

Highlights

During his address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India has been “bearing the brunt of terrorism for the last four decades” and thanked the countries that “stood by us” during the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders’ session in Tianjin, stressed that India’s vision and policy for the bloc was guided by three pillars — Security, Connectivity and Opportunity. Lauding his nation’s role in the grouping, Modi noted that “India has played a very positive role as a member of the SCO. India’s vision and policy for the SCO is based on three important pillars: S – Security, C- Connectivity and O – Opportunity”.

Modi on terrorism

On terrorism, Modi issued a strong warning against selective approaches. “No double standards on terrorism are acceptable to us,” he said, adding that India has been fighting groups like Al-Qaeda for decades.

“India has been bearing the brunt of terrorism for the last four decades. Recently, we saw the worst side of it in Pahalgam. I express my gratitude to the friendly country that stood with us in this hour of grief,” the Prime Minister said.

In April of this year, 26 people were killed in a terror attack in India’s Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Following the heinous terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor. During the military operation, India conducted precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK and repelled subsequent Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases.

Modi on connectivity

The Indian PM said that New Delhi backs better connectivity because it not only boosts trade but also builds stronger bonds among nations. He proposed that the bloc create a dedicated SCO dialogue forum to allow members to raise and discuss issues openly.