Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reaffirmed India’s tough stance on terrorism at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, arguing that the regional bloc must rise above double standards and adopt a collective approach.
“Terrorism, separatism and castism are three problems facing nations globally at the moment,” Modi said in his address, calling the threats a shared challenge that the SCO should confront head-on.
He stressed that India has been consistent in its opposition to the financing of terror networks.
“India has raised voice against terror financing,” the Prime Minister said, adding, “We must unanimously denounce terrorism.”
'SCO as Security, Connectivity and Opportunity'
Outlining India’s vision for the grouping, Modi said New Delhi’s engagement was guided by three key principles. “India's perspective and diplomacy on SCO are based on three principles: Security-connectivity and opportunity,” he told fellow leaders.
He said the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which brings together nations across Eurasia, should be a platform for building confidence, advancing economic ties and securing peace at a time of global turbulence.
Further, the Prime Minister acknowledged and extended India's support to the upcoming initiatives by the SCO bloc, hailing the emerging Global South.
"It is a matter of happiness that the SCO is evolving with the changing needs of the times. Four new centres are being set up to tackle challenges such as organised crime, drug trafficking, cyber security. We welcome this reform oriented mindset," Modi said.
Taking India at the global stage, Modi informed his SCO counterparts and the world at large about India's growth story- and its road to development moving ahead.
"Today, India is moving ahead following the mantra of Reform, Perform and Transform... We have tried to turn every challenge into an opportunity... I invite all of you to be a part of India's development journey."
'Pahalgam massacre not just attack on India'
The Prime Minister also pointed to India’s experience in countering terrorism, citing the April 22 Pahalgam massacre in Jammu and Kashmir.
“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. We have recently seen the brutal Pahalgam terror attack. I thank all the friendly nations who stood with us....” he said.
Pahalgam strike was not only attack on India, but it was open challenge to countries, people believing in humanity, he added.
His remarks came in the presence of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, at a forum where both countries sit as member states.
Modi didn't mince his words. From India's decades old fight against terrorism to the deadly Pahalgam attack, he spoke ferociously on why it is important for the world to take note.
This marked a rare moment, as the message, which appeared to be directed towards Pakistan, took aim at its state head, Sharif.
"India has been bearing the brunt of the terrorism for the last four decades. Recently, we saw the worst side of terrorism in Pahalgam. I express my gratitude to the friendly country that stood with us in this hour of grief," Modi said.
The SCO summit marks the first such instance where Prime Minister Modi and Pakistan's Sharif have come together to share the same diplomatic stage, after a war broke out between New Delhi and Islamabad.
India had accused and presented evidence that proved Pakistan-sponsored terrorism was behind the Pahalgam terror attack. Subsequently, India launched Operations Sindoor and Mahadev, to avenge the victims of the deadly massacre.
In April this year, India also formally downgraded diplomatic ties with its notorious neighbour, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty among other actions.
‘No place for double standards’
In China, Modi cautioned SCO members against selective approaches to extremism. He said India would continue to press for a common stand that leaves no room for ambiguity.
“We must unanimously denounce terrorism,” the Prime Minister said, insisting that the fight could not succeed if countries applied different yardsticks.
We have to say clearly and unanimously that no double standards are acceptable on terrorism, Modi told his counterparts.
"The SCO can be a guide for multilateralism and an inclusive world order. I am happy that a statement is being issued on this important subject. We are moving ahead with all our partners. I extend my best wishes to the President of Kyrgyzstan and my friend, Sadyr Japarov, for the next presidency of the SCO," Modi said in his concluding remarks.
Modi’s camaraderie with Putin, Xi Jinping
Before the plenary session, Modi met and spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“Interactions in Tianjin continue! Exchanging perspectives with President Putin and President Xi during the SCO Summit,” he said, sharing pictures with the two leaders on X.
Modi’s camaraderie with Putin was on display as the two leaders greeted each other with hugs and smiles.
“Always a delight to meet President Putin!” Modi wrote in another post, alongside photos of the two leaders walking hand in hand towards Xi.
The three were seen sharing light remarks before taking the family photo with other SCO members.
Modi is now due to hold a bilateral meeting with Putin.
Yesterday, the Prime Minister also held talks with President Xi on the sidelines of SCO, during which both leaders welcomed “the positive momentum and steady progress in bilateral relations” since their last meeting in Kazan at the BRICS Summit in October 2024.
They reaffirmed that India and China were “development partners and not rivals,” and stressed the need for a stable relationship built on “mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity” as part of shaping a multipolar Asia and multipolar world.
“Terrorism, separatism and castism are three problems facing nations globally at the moment,” Modi said in his address, calling the threats a shared challenge that the SCO should confront head-on.
He stressed that India has been consistent in its opposition to the financing of terror networks.
“India has raised voice against terror financing,” the Prime Minister said, adding, “We must unanimously denounce terrorism.”
'SCO as Security, Connectivity and Opportunity'
Outlining India’s vision for the grouping, Modi said New Delhi’s engagement was guided by three key principles. “India's perspective and diplomacy on SCO are based on three principles: Security-connectivity and opportunity,” he told fellow leaders.
He said the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which brings together nations across Eurasia, should be a platform for building confidence, advancing economic ties and securing peace at a time of global turbulence.
Further, the Prime Minister acknowledged and extended India's support to the upcoming initiatives by the SCO bloc, hailing the emerging Global South.
"It is a matter of happiness that the SCO is evolving with the changing needs of the times. Four new centres are being set up to tackle challenges such as organised crime, drug trafficking, cyber security. We welcome this reform oriented mindset," Modi said.
Taking India at the global stage, Modi informed his SCO counterparts and the world at large about India's growth story- and its road to development moving ahead.
"Today, India is moving ahead following the mantra of Reform, Perform and Transform... We have tried to turn every challenge into an opportunity... I invite all of you to be a part of India's development journey."
'Pahalgam massacre not just attack on India'
The Prime Minister also pointed to India’s experience in countering terrorism, citing the April 22 Pahalgam massacre in Jammu and Kashmir.
“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. We have recently seen the brutal Pahalgam terror attack. I thank all the friendly nations who stood with us....” he said.
Pahalgam strike was not only attack on India, but it was open challenge to countries, people believing in humanity, he added.
His remarks came in the presence of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, at a forum where both countries sit as member states.
Modi didn't mince his words. From India's decades old fight against terrorism to the deadly Pahalgam attack, he spoke ferociously on why it is important for the world to take note.
This marked a rare moment, as the message, which appeared to be directed towards Pakistan, took aim at its state head, Sharif.
"India has been bearing the brunt of the terrorism for the last four decades. Recently, we saw the worst side of terrorism in Pahalgam. I express my gratitude to the friendly country that stood with us in this hour of grief," Modi said.
The SCO summit marks the first such instance where Prime Minister Modi and Pakistan's Sharif have come together to share the same diplomatic stage, after a war broke out between New Delhi and Islamabad.
India had accused and presented evidence that proved Pakistan-sponsored terrorism was behind the Pahalgam terror attack. Subsequently, India launched Operations Sindoor and Mahadev, to avenge the victims of the deadly massacre.
In April this year, India also formally downgraded diplomatic ties with its notorious neighbour, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty among other actions.
‘No place for double standards’
In China, Modi cautioned SCO members against selective approaches to extremism. He said India would continue to press for a common stand that leaves no room for ambiguity.
“We must unanimously denounce terrorism,” the Prime Minister said, insisting that the fight could not succeed if countries applied different yardsticks.
We have to say clearly and unanimously that no double standards are acceptable on terrorism, Modi told his counterparts.
"The SCO can be a guide for multilateralism and an inclusive world order. I am happy that a statement is being issued on this important subject. We are moving ahead with all our partners. I extend my best wishes to the President of Kyrgyzstan and my friend, Sadyr Japarov, for the next presidency of the SCO," Modi said in his concluding remarks.
Modi’s camaraderie with Putin, Xi Jinping
Before the plenary session, Modi met and spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“Interactions in Tianjin continue! Exchanging perspectives with President Putin and President Xi during the SCO Summit,” he said, sharing pictures with the two leaders on X.
Modi’s camaraderie with Putin was on display as the two leaders greeted each other with hugs and smiles.
“Always a delight to meet President Putin!” Modi wrote in another post, alongside photos of the two leaders walking hand in hand towards Xi.
The three were seen sharing light remarks before taking the family photo with other SCO members.
Modi is now due to hold a bilateral meeting with Putin.
Yesterday, the Prime Minister also held talks with President Xi on the sidelines of SCO, during which both leaders welcomed “the positive momentum and steady progress in bilateral relations” since their last meeting in Kazan at the BRICS Summit in October 2024.
They reaffirmed that India and China were “development partners and not rivals,” and stressed the need for a stable relationship built on “mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity” as part of shaping a multipolar Asia and multipolar world.
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