Modi raises Pahalgam terror attack in presence of Pak PM at SCO summit; seeks unity in fight against terror

In the backdrop of heinous terror attack in Pahalgam in April 2025 killing 26 innocent people, India today strongly condemned the incident at the SCO summit in Tianjin, China saying “Terrorism is not only a threat to the security of individual nations, but a shared challenge to all of humanity.” Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also present at the summit.

Addressing the opening ceremony of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, Prime Minister Modi sought to redefine the SCO as “Security” “Connectivity” and “Opportunity”.  Over the past twenty-four years, the SCO has played a vital role in connecting the extended family across the Eurasian region. As an active member, India has always contributed in a constructive and positive manner.

The SCO summit is taking place in the backdrop of the USA imposing trade tariffs against most nations while singling out India with an extra 25 per cent tariff as punitive action for buying crude from Russia which is at war with Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin is also attending the summit.

On the first pillar, that is Security, Modi said that security, peace, and stability form the foundation of any nation’s development. However, terrorism, separatism, and extremism remain major challenges along this path. “…No country, no society, no citizen can consider themselves completely safe from it. That is why India has consistently stressed the importance of unity in the fight against terrorism.”

India have raised its voice firmly against terror financing, and “I sincerely thank all of you for the support extended in this effort.” The opening ceremony was chaired by the host, Chinese President Xi Jinping.

For the past four decades, India has been bearing the grave scars of ruthless terrorism. Countless mothers have lost their children, and innumerable children have been left orphaned, Modi said adding recently, “we witnessed the most heinous face of terrorism in Pahalgam. I express my deep gratitude to all the friendly nations that stood by us during this moment of grief. This attack was not only an assault on the conscience of India, but also an open challenge to every nation, and every individual who believes in humanity.

“In such circumstances, it is natural to ask: Can the open support for terrorism by certain countries ever be acceptable to us?” Modi said, in an apparent reference to Pakistan, asking the leaders present at the summit that “We must state it clearly and in one voice: double standards on terrorism are unacceptable. Together, we must oppose terrorism in every form and manifestation. This is our responsibility towards humanity.”

On the second pillar of SCO that “C” or Connectivity, the Prime Minister emphasised that India has always believed that strong connectivity does not merely facilitate trade but also opens the doors to trust and development. It is with this vision that we are working on initiatives such as the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor. Through these, we can enhance our linkages with Afghanistan and Central Asia. “We believe that every effort towards connectivity must uphold the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is also enshrined in the core principles of the SCO Charter.”

On the third pillar “O” that is “Opportunity” for cooperation and reform, Modi said the idea is to take SCO beyond governments. To connect people, young scientists, scholars, and start-ups as well.

Today, I would like to propose another step to strengthen our people-to-people ties – the creation of a Civilizational Dialogue Forum under the SCO. Such a platform will allow us to share the richness of our ancient civilizations, art, literature, and traditions on a global stage. Today, India is advancing with the motto of Reform, Perform, and Transform. From the Covid crisis to global economic uncertainties, we have endeavoured to convert challenges into opportunities.

We are consistently pursuing wide-ranging reforms, which are creating new opportunities for both national development and international cooperation. I warmly invite you all to be a part of India’s development journey.

It is a matter of great satisfaction that the SCO is evolving with time. Four new centres are being established to address contemporary challenges such as organized crime, drug trafficking, and cybersecurity. We welcome this reform-oriented approach.

SCO members can increase mutual cooperation for reforms in global institutions. On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, we can unanimously call for UN reform.

To confine the aspirations of the Global South to outdated frameworks is to deny justice to future generations. The colourful dreams of the new generation cannot be displayed on a black-and-white screen. It is time to change the screen.

The SCO can play a guiding role in promoting multilateralism and an inclusive world order, Prime Minister Modi said in his opening statement.