Tianjin (China): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday described the Pahalgam terror attack as not just a strike against India but an “open challenge to all humanity,” while addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
With Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping present, Modi urged SCO members to take a clear and unanimous stand against “double standards” on terrorism. “This is our duty towards humanity,” he said.
Without naming Pakistan, he questioned whether open support for terrorism by some nations can be acceptable. “India has faced the brunt of terrorism for four decades. Countless mothers have lost their children and many children have been orphaned. The recent Pahalgam attack was a disgusting reminder of this reality,” Modi added.
Calling for united action, he said, “We must oppose terrorism in all its forms and colours. No double standards will be acceptable.” Modi also thanked friendly nations for standing with India after the attack.
The prime minister identified terrorism, separatism, and extremism as major threats to peace and stability, and underlined the role of SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure in countering them.
On connectivity, Modi stressed that sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. “Connectivity that bypasses sovereignty loses trust and meaning,” he said.
He also called for reforms in global institutions, including the UN, and highlighted the need to address the aspirations of the Global South. “Keeping their hopes confined to outdated frameworks is a grave injustice to future generations,” he noted.
Pointing to India’s development journey, Modi said the country is advancing with the mantra of “reform, perform, and transform.” Despite challenges like Covid and global economic turbulence, India has sought to turn every crisis into an opportunity, he added.
