Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday raised the recent Pahalgam terror attack during his address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. He expressed gratitude to India’s “friends” for standing in solidarity and sharply criticised the double standards of certain countries that openly support terrorism.
Delivering his opening remarks at the SCO plenary session, PM Modi emphasised India’s approach to the forum, rooted in three pillars – security, connectivity, and opportunity.
“In the last 24 years, the SCO has played a significant role in connecting the extended family of the Eurasian region. India, as a crucial member, has always played a positive role. Our vision for the SCO is built on three pillars: S for Security, C for Connectivity, and O for Opportunity,” he said.
Underscoring security as the foundation of progress, the Prime Minister warned that terrorism, separatism, and extremism remain the biggest threats to humanity.
“Security, peace, and stability are the basis of every country. Terrorism is not only a challenge for a nation’s security but for the entire humanity. No country can consider itself safe from this menace. That is why India has always stressed the need for unity,” he noted.
Highlighting India’s contributions within the SCO framework, PM Modi said, “In this regard, SCO-RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure) has played an important role. India, by leading the Joint Information Operations, took the initiative to counter Al-Qaeda and other linked terror outfits.”
He reiterated India’s consistent opposition to terror financing and to any form of support for extremist groups.
Referring to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, PM Modi said, “India has borne the brunt of terrorism for the last four decades. Recently, we saw its ugliest face in Pahalgam. I express my gratitude to the friendly countries that stood with us in this hour of grief. This attack was not only an assault on India’s soul but also an open challenge to all nations that believe in humanity.”
The Prime Minister posed a sharp question to the international community: “In such a situation, should we accept the behaviour of those few countries that openly support terrorism? We must speak in one voice that there can be no double standards when it comes to terrorism.”
Urging SCO members to adopt a united front, PM Modi said it was imperative to take a strong stance and act collectively to eliminate terrorism in all its forms.
