The Indian leader has called for the SCO to have a unified approach in the fight against terrorism
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on fellow Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) members to oppose “double standards” on terrorism.
Speaking at the 25th Council of SCO Heads of State meeting in Tianjin on Monday Modi said there needed to be “unity” in the fight against terror.
Referring to the April terrorist attack in Pahalgam in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir that claimed 26 lives, he said “many friendly countries” stood by India.
“We must clearly and unanimously declare that double standards on terrorism are unacceptable,” Modi added.” We must collectively oppose terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. This is our duty to humanity.”
🇮🇳 #SCO2025: Five Key Takeaways from PM Modi’s Address in Tianjin
From a crackdown on terror to connectivity, here’s what Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to say:
❌ No Double Standards on Terrorism: Challenge to ALL Humanity. Terrorism needs to be condemned in every form -… pic.twitter.com/ztKOHoT2Kv
In his speech, the Indian leader made a veiled reference to SCO member Pakistan, who India has blamed for the April terror attack. “It raises a serious question – should a country openly supporting terrorism be acceptable to any of us,” Modi asked.
SCO members voiced their support for India and expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the dead and the wounded in the Kashmir attack.
“The Member States strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, stress that double standards in the fight against terrorism are unacceptable, and call on the international community to combat terrorism, including cross-border movement of terrorists,” a joint statement on Monday said.
In his opening speech on Sunday, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged SCO member states to “seek common ground while putting aside differences” and pursue “mutual benefit and win-win results” as the bloc charts its path forward.
While talking about connectivity between SCO members, Modi called on states to respect territorial sovereignty. India has objected to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through territory controlled by Islamabad but claimed by New Delhi. CPEC is a part of China’s flagship Belt and Road initiative, a global infrastructure development program.
He, however, added that connectivity is a cornerstone of growth and trust. Sharing India’s initiatives in this regard, Modi said India is working on projects like the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor. “This will help us improve connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia,” he said.
