Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful message against terrorism during his address at the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Council Summit in Tianjin on Monday.
Speaking in the presence of Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Modi underlined that terrorism is a threat to humanity at large, not just to one nation, and that the global community must reject double standards in tackling the menace.
“In the fight against terrorism, India stands firm on unity, and the SCO has an important role. Any kind of double standard on this issue is unacceptable,” PM Modi said.
Reference to Pahalgam Terror Attack
PM Modi cited the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, mostly civilians, and was linked to Pakistan-backed groups. He also thanked friendly nations that stood by India in its grief.
“India has taken the lead in fighting terror outfits like Al-Qaeda and its associates. We strongly oppose terror-financing. The Pahalgam attack was a reminder of how ruthless terrorism can be,” Modi noted.
Operation Sindoor: India’s Response
The Prime Minister’s remarks came just months after India carried out Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, striking terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The retaliatory military action followed the Pahalgam attack and led to a four-day conflict between India and Pakistan, marked by drone and missile exchanges. The escalation ended only after Pakistan’s DGMO reached out to the Indian side seeking de-escalation.
Call for SCO Unity
Modi stressed that peace, security, and stability are essential foundations for economic progress in the region. He urged SCO member states to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism and collectively push back against forces that shelter, sponsor, or justify it.
The SCO Summit 2025, inaugurated by Chinese President Xi Jinping, is being attended by over 20 world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and leaders from all 10 SCO member states.
