The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) members on Monday issued a strong condemnation of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir, aligning with India’s long-standing demand to hold perpetrators and sponsors of terrorism accountable.
Pahalgam Attack Condemned
In a joint declaration, the 10-member bloc said:
“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.”
The attack in Pahalgam had left 26 civilians dead, sparking outrage in India and global calls for accountability.
India’s Push Against Cross-Border Terrorism
Ahead of the summit, India’s Ministry of External Affairs had underlined that New Delhi expected a clear and unequivocal condemnation of cross-border terrorism in SCO documents. India has consistently highlighted that terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstances, and that nations providing safe havens or backing such acts must be held responsible.
Modi’s Message: ‘No Double Standards’
Addressing the plenary session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s firm stand on counter-terrorism:
“In the fight against terrorism, India stands firm on unity, and the SCO has an important role. Any kind of double standards on the issue of terror is not acceptable.”
His remarks underscored India’s expectation that SCO members, including Pakistan and its allies, commit to a consistent and united stance against terrorism.
Regional Unity on Security
The condemnation of the Pahalgam attack marks a significant moment, with SCO members – spanning Central Asia, South Asia, and Eurasia – aligning on the principle that terrorism remains one of the gravest threats to peace and stability in the region.
