PM Modi Slams Double Standards on Terrorism at SCO Summit 2025

In a powerful address at the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Council Summit in Tianjin, China, on September 1, 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a resolute message against terrorism, emphasizing that "double standards" in addressing this global threat are unacceptable. With Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in attendance, Modi's remarks underscored the urgency of a united global front to combat terrorism, citing the devastating Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, 2025, as a stark reminder of the human cost of inaction.

A Call for Unity Against Terrorism

Addressing the plenary session of the SCO Summit, PM Modi stressed that terrorism is a challenge not just for one nation but for all of humanity. "In the fight against terrorism, India stands firm on unity, and the SCO has an important role," he said, urging member states to stand united in their efforts to eradicate this menace. He emphasized that any form of double standards in addressing terrorism is unacceptable, calling for a cohesive strategy to tackle terror financing and cross-border terrorist activities.

The SCO, established in 2001 by China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, has grown into a significant Eurasian political, economic, and security organization. With the inclusion of India and Pakistan in 2017, Iran in 2023, and Belarus in 2024, the organization now comprises ten member states, making it a critical platform for addressing regional and global challenges. Modi's speech resonated with the SCO's core objectives of fostering security and stability across the region.

The Pahalgam Terror Attack: A Grim Reminder

Modi specifically referenced the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people, predominantly civilians. The attack, linked to terrorist groups with connections to Pakistan, highlighted the persistent threat of terrorism in the region. "India has been facing the scourge of terrorism for the last seven decades," Modi stated, underscoring the country's long-standing battle against terror outfits like Al-Qaeda and its affiliates.

In response to the Pahalgam attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, conducting military strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation successfully neutralized several key terrorist infrastructures, sending a strong message about India's zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism. The military engagement escalated into a four-day conflict involving drones and missiles, which concluded when Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations reached out to India to pause the hostilities.

India's Leadership in Counter-Terrorism

Modi highlighted India's proactive role in combating terrorism, including its efforts against terror financing and support for global initiatives to dismantle terrorist networks. "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. He also expressed gratitude to friendly nations that stood in solidarity with India following the Pahalgam attack, reinforcing the need for international cooperation in addressing terrorism.

The Role of the SCO in Regional Security

The SCO Summit in Tianjin was attended by several heads of state, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, underscoring the organization's growing influence in addressing global challenges. Modi emphasized that security, peace, and stability are foundational to progress and prosperity in the region. He called on SCO member states to strengthen their collective efforts in countering terrorism, enhancing intelligence sharing, and curbing the flow of funds to terrorist organizations.

The SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) has been instrumental in coordinating counter-terrorism efforts among member states. Modi's remarks align with India's push for a more robust role for the SCO in addressing emerging security threats, including cyberterrorism and radicalization. By fostering collaboration among member states, the SCO aims to create a safer and more stable environment for economic growth and development.

India-Pakistan Relations in Focus

The presence of Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the summit added a layer of significance to Modi's remarks. India-Pakistan relations have been strained due to repeated instances of cross-border terrorism, with the Pahalgam attack being a recent flashpoint. Modi's call for unity and his criticism of double standards were seen as a direct message to nations that have been accused of harboring or supporting terrorist groups.

The military conflict following Operation Sindoor highlighted the fragile nature of India-Pakistan relations. While the conflict was brief, it underscored the need for diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation and address the root causes of terrorism. Modi's address at the SCO Summit served as a reminder that terrorism remains a shared challenge that requires collective action, transcending bilateral tensions.

Global Implications of Modi's Message

Modi's speech at the SCO Summit has broader implications for global counter-terrorism efforts. By calling out double standards and urging unity, India is positioning itself as a leader in the fight against terrorism on the international stage. The SCO, with its diverse membership and focus on security, provides a platform for India to advocate for stronger measures against terrorism and terror financing.

The summit's focus on regional security aligns with India's broader foreign policy goals, including strengthening ties with Central Asian nations and countering the influence of adversarial powers in the region. Modi's emphasis on peace and stability as prerequisites for progress resonates with the SCO's mission to foster economic cooperation and connectivity, which are often undermined by security threats.

As the SCO continues to evolve, Modi's address serves as a clarion call for member states to prioritize counter-terrorism and work together to address the challenges of the 21st century. With terrorism remaining a persistent threat, the SCO's role in fostering dialogue and cooperation among its members will be critical to achieving lasting peace and security in the region.