Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the plenary session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on Monday, following opening remarks by Chinese President Xi Jinping
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the plenary session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on Monday, following opening remarks by Chinese President Xi Jinping. During the address, PM Modi delivered a strong message against terrorism, calling it the “gravest threat” facing humanity and urging member nations to adopt a policy of zero tolerance. “Terrorism and extremism are a joint challenge for humanity. No country or society can consider itself safe as long as these threats persist,” PM Modi said.
Without naming specific countries, the Prime Minister took aim at those that openly support or shelter terrorist networks, warning that the global community must reject such double standards in the fight against terrorism.
Pahalgam terror attack
PM Modi’s remarks came in a sharp reference to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. “We saw a very bad face of terrorism in Pahalgam,” said PM Modi and questioned the global silence on state-backed terrorism. “Can open support for terrorism by some countries ever be acceptable to us?.”
“We must make it clear that double standards in dealing with terrorism are not acceptable,” he added.
“Terrorism and extremism are a joint challenge for humanity. Any country, any society cannot feel safe while these threats exist,” PM Modi said, adding that “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.”
The leaders’ meeting, attended by heads of state and government from across Eurasia, began with emphasis on regional stability, economic cooperation, and multilateral diplomacy. Chinese President Xi Jinping set the tone for the summit, speaking on the SCO’s growing importance in safeguarding regional peace and promoting balanced development in a rapidly changing global landscape.
‘SCO must oppose hegemony, uphold justice’: Xi
In his opening address, President Xi praised the SCO’s role as a stabilising force in the region. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with all member states and called for a united stand in defending global justice.
Xi emphasized the need to protect the role of the United Nations, resist unilateralism, and uphold the multilateral trading system, which he described as essential for global economic stability.
He also announced that China would implement 100 small-scale development projects across SCO member countries, aimed at improving livelihoods and reducing inequality in regions most in need.
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