Tianjin/ New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his address at the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit on 1 September to strongly reiterate India’s stand against cross-border terrorism, sending a direct message to Pakistan in the presence of its Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Without naming the neighbour, PM Modi said that “a few openly support terror,” underscoring India’s long-held position on Pakistan’s sponsorship of extremist groups. He urged member nations to act in unity, stressing that terrorism must be opposed in every form without exception or double standards.
PM Modi said: “We have to say clearly and unanimously that no double standards are acceptable on terrorism. This attack (on 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 oppose terrorism in every form and colour unanimously. This is our duty towards humanity.”
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Referring to India’s proactive role within the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), PM Modi highlighted that India had led a Joint Information Operation against Al-Qaeda and its associated outfits.
Outlining India’s broader vision for the SCO, the PM Modi said the country’s approach rests on three pillars, “S for Security, C for Connectivity, and O for Opportunity.” He underlined that India has always played a constructive and positive role in strengthening the Eurasian grouping.
