PM Modi calls Pahalgam attack 'ugly face of terrorism' at SCO summit; urge nations to adopt 'zero tolerance' policy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a strong message on terrorism at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, urging member countries to adopt a "zero tolerance" policy and reject any form of "double standards." Speaking in the presence of Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Modi highlighted that terrorism, separatism, and extremism pose a major challenge to global peace and stability. He asserted that India has been grappling with this issue for decades and that no country or society can consider itself safe from its menace.

In his address, PM Modi referenced the recent brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, calling it a stark example of the "ugly face of terrorism" and a challenge to all nations that believe in humanity. His remarks underscored India's firm stance against the financing and support of terror networks, a message that resonated with the bloc as the Tianjin Declaration also condemned the Pahalgam attack. This unified condemnation marked a diplomatic win for India and a rare moment of consensus on the issue within the SCO.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the global community must speak with one voice on the issue of terrorism. "We must clearly and unanimously state that no double standards on terrorism will be acceptable," he said, adding that it is a collective responsibility of all nations to combat this scourge in all its forms and colors. He also thanked the friendly nations that stood with India in the wake of the Pahalgam attack.

During the summit, PM Modi also outlined India's vision for the SCO, which he said is based on three core pillars: Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity (SCO). With respect to security, he reiterated India's commitment to fighting terror outfits like Al-Qaeda and its associates, while also proposing greater coordination against radicalization. This comprehensive approach highlighted India's leadership in the regional security landscape.

Beyond terrorism, PM Modi also touched upon other key areas of cooperation within the SCO framework. He advocated for a Civilizational Dialogue Forum to foster stronger people-to-people ties and a deeper understanding of shared heritage. Additionally, he welcomed the establishment of new centers within the bloc to combat organized crime, drug trafficking, and cybersecurity threats, showing India's support for a more reform-oriented mindset in the organization.