Tianjin: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, delivered a sharp warning against terrorism, asserting that the world must unite without ambiguity against those who back terror outfits. His remarks came in the presence of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, drawing attention to countries accused of providing safe havens to extremists.
Calling terrorism a “threat not to one nation, but to humanity as a whole,” PM Modi cited the recent attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam as a reminder of the menace India has endured. “India has been bearing the brunt of terrorism for the last four decades. Recently, we saw the worst side of terrorism in Pahalgam. I express my gratitude to the friendly country that stood with us in this hour of grief,” he said.
The Prime Minister urged SCO members to reject double standards when it comes to terror. “We have to say clearly and unanimously that no double standards are acceptable on terrorism. This attack (Pahalgam) was an open challenge to every country and person who believes in humanity. In such a situation, it is natural to raise the question of whether the open support of terrorism by some countries can be acceptable to us. We have to unanimously oppose terrorism in every form and colour. This is our duty towards humanity,” Modi stressed.
Highlighting India’s proactive role in global counter-terror initiatives, PM Modi noted that under the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), New Delhi spearheaded a joint information operation against Al-Qaeda and affiliated groups. “India took the initiative to fight Al-Qaeda and the terrorist organisations associated with it by leading the Joint Information Operation. We raised our voice against terror financing. I express gratitude for your support in it,” he added.
He also underlined India’s vision for the SCO, framing it around three key pillars: Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity. “India’s vision and policy for the SCO is based on three important pillars. S – Security, C – Connectivity and O – Opportunity,” the Prime Minister said, emphasizing that the grouping’s strength lies in collective action.
