Tianjin (China): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, while addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, called terrorism the “gravest concern” facing humanity and urged member nations to adopt a policy of zero tolerance against it.
In a strongly worded intervention at the summit attended by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Modi referred to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, and asked pointedly: “Can open support for terrorism by some countries ever be acceptable to us?”
“The Pahalgam terror attack was not just an attack on India’s soul but an open challenge to all countries that have faith in humanity. It raises a serious question—should a country openly supporting terrorism be acceptable to any of us?” Modi said, warning against double standards in the global fight.
Call for Collective Action
Emphasizing that terrorism and extremism are a “joint challenge for humanity,” Modi urged SCO members to intensify cooperation against terror networks and financing.
“Any country, any society cannot feel safe while these threats exist. India has taken the lead in the fight against terror outfits like Al-Qaeda and its associates, and we oppose any kind of terror-financing,” he said.
The Prime Minister also stressed the need to counter radicalisation, noting that terror financing remains a “big concern” across the region. “There can be no compromise on terrorism. We must condemn it in all forms. Zero tolerance against cross-border terrorism is our duty towards humanity,” he added.
A Stern Message Amid Tense Backdrop
Modi’s remarks, delivered in the presence of Sharif, come at a time when India has consistently raised concerns about Pakistan’s alleged backing of cross-border terrorism. Without directly naming Islamabad, Modi’s sharp words reflected India’s long-standing stance.
“We have lost our children, and many have become orphans. India has been facing the scourge of terrorism for the past four decades,” Modi said while thanking friendly nations who expressed solidarity after the Pahalgam attack.
The SCO Summit in Tianjin
The 25th SCO Summit, hosted in the Chinese city of Tianjin, is the largest gathering of the bloc to date. Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, for the high-profile event.
The summit formally began Sunday night with a massive banquet hosted by Xi, and continued Monday with day-long deliberations on security, economic cooperation, and regional stability.
This year’s summit saw participation from 20 foreign leaders and 10 heads of international organisations, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, under the “SCO Plus” format introduced by China as part of its presidency.
As Modi underscored, the message from India was unambiguous: terrorism in any form, from any quarter, is unacceptable—and global efforts must match rhetoric with action.
