PM Modi addresses terrorism challenge, references Pahalgam attack at SCO Summit | VIDEO

Tianjin: Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly addressed the issue of terrorism during his opening remarks at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin on Monday. With Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif present, Modi highlighted the recent brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 innocent lives, stating that India has been bearing the brunt of terrorism for four decades.

Modi expressed gratitude to “friendly countries” that stood with India in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack while sharply criticising certain countries for exhibiting double standards by openly supporting terrorism. He questioned the global community’s acceptance of such behaviour and called for a united front rejecting any tolerance for terrorism and its financing.

Emphasising India’s overarching approach to the SCO, Modi outlined three core pillars: Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity. He stressed that security, peace, and stability form the foundation for every country’s progress, but face constant threats from terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Highlighting India’s role in leading joint counterterrorism operations, particularly through SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), Modi noted India’s active initiatives against Al-Qaeda and affiliated terror organisations.

Reiterating India’s firm opposition to terror financing and extremist support, Modi appealed to all SCO member states to adopt a strong, collective stance to eradicate terrorism effectively. He described the Pahalgam attack as an attack not only on India’s soul but also a challenge to all countries committed to humanity.

With inputs from IANS