Pakistan PM in attendance at SCO summit, Modi raises Pahalgam terror attack: ‘Assault on India’s soul, challenge to those who believe in humanity’

Earlier in the day, Modi met Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin briefly — the three leaders had an informal chat as they gathered for photographs, surrounded by interpreters. Coming in the backdrop of the deepening trust deficit between India and the United States over the 50 per cent tariffs imposed by the Donald Trump administration, these images are significant — the US administration, especially White House trade advisor Peter Navarro, has expressed strong criticism and concern at India engaging with China and Russia.

Ahead of Modi’s speech, Xi, in his address, pressed his vision for a new global security and economic order that prioritises the Global South, in a direct challenge to the US. “We must continue to take a clear stand against hegemonism and power politics, and practise true multilateralism,” Xi said, in a thinly veiled swipe at Trump’s tariffs. “Global governance has reached a new crossroads,” he said, but did not set out any concrete measures in what he called his “Global Governance Initiative”.

China and India are the biggest buyers of crude oil from Russia. Trump has imposed 25% additional tariffs on India over purchase of Russian oil, but not on China.

Modi, in his speech, focussed on the need to oppose terrorism and those supporting it. “Recently, we witnessed the most heinous face of terrorism in Pahalgam. I express my deep gratitude to all the friendly nations that stood by us during this moment of grief. This attack was not only an assault on the conscience of India, but also an open challenge to every nation, and every individual who believes in humanity… In such circumstances, it is natural to ask: Can the open support for terrorism by certain countries ever be acceptable to us,” Modi said.

“We must state it clearly and in one voice: double standards on terrorism are unacceptable. Together, we must oppose terrorism in every form and manifestation. This is our responsibility towards humanity,” he said.

Speaking on security, he said: “I would like to emphasise that security, peace and stability form the foundation of any nation’s development. However, terrorism, separatism and extremism remain major challenges along this path… Terrorism is not only a threat to the security of individual nations, but a shared challenge to all of humanity. No country, no society, no citizen can consider themselves completely safe from it. That is why India has consistently stressed the importance of unity in the fight against terrorism.”

“For the past four decades, India has been bearing the grave scars of ruthless terrorism. Countless mothers have lost their children, and innumerable children have been left orphaned,” he said.

He said the SCO-RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure) has played a significant role in this regard. This year, while leading the Joint Information Operation, India undertook an initiative to counter Al-Qaeda and its affiliated terrorist organisations. “We have also proposed enhanced coordination and joint measures against radicalisation. We have raised our voice firmly against terror financing,” he said.

On connectivity, Modi said: “India has always believed that strong connectivity does not merely facilitate trade but also opens the doors to trust and development.” He said it is with this vision that India is working on initiatives such as the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor. Through these, India can enhance its linkages with Afghanistan and Central Asia, he said.

“We believe that every effort towards connectivity must uphold the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is also enshrined in the core principles of the SCO Charter. Connectivity that bypasses sovereignty ultimately loses both trust and meaning,” he said, in a reference to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, under Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative, which India has opposed, saying that it violates its territorial integrity.

Under the rubric of opportunity, Modi said there is “opportunity for cooperation and reform”. He said that in 2023, under India’s presidency, new areas of cooperation were introduced, including start-ups and innovation, traditional medicine, youth empowerment, digital inclusion, and shared Buddhist heritage.

“Our effort was to take SCO beyond governments. To connect people, young scientists, scholars and start-ups as well. Today, I would like to propose another step to strengthen our people-to-people ties — the creation of a civilisational dialogue forum under the SCO. Such a platform will allow us to share the richness of our ancient civilisations, art, literature and traditions on a global stage,” he said.

Recalling India’s experience with the motto of “reform, perform and transform”, he said Delhi has been “consistently pursuing wide-ranging reforms, which are creating new opportunities for both national development and international cooperation,” and invited SCO member countries to be a part of India’s development journey.

The PM also called for UN reforms on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. “To confine the aspirations of the Global South to outdated frameworks is to deny justice to future generations. The colourful dreams of the new generation cannot be displayed on a black-and-white screen. It is time to change the screen,” he said.

Besides India, the 10-member SCO grouping includes Pakistan, Belarus, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.