September 2, 2025
NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday emphasised the need for collective action against terrorism. Addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, he highlighted the devastating impact of terrorism on nations and societies, citing India’s own experience of bearing the scars of ruthless terrorism for four decades.
Delivering a powerful message against terrorism at the Summit, PM Modi, accentuated the need for collective action against this global threat. With Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif present, PM Modi highlighted India’s decades-long struggle against terrorism and the recent Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 innocent lives.
Stressing the importance of unity in the fight against terrorism, PM Modi stated that it is a shared challenge to all of humanity. “Terrorism is not only a threat to the security of individual nations, but a shared challenge to all of humanity,” he said.
PM Modi condemned double standards on terrorism, emphasising that open support for terrorism by certain countries is unacceptable. “Can the open support for terrorism by certain countries ever be acceptable to us?” he asked.
He mentioned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed several innocent people. He expressed gratitude to friendly nations that stood by India during this moment of grief.
The Pahalgam attack has intensely strained India-Pakistan relations, following Pakistan’s unabated support of cross-border terrorism. PM Modi’s remarks at the SCO Summit highlight India’s commitment to addressing global challenges through multilateral cooperation.
PM Modi outlined India’s vision for the SCO, focusing on three key pillars:
Security: Emphasising the need for collective action against terrorism and extremism.
Connectivity: Highlighting the importance of connectivity initiatives that respect sovereignty.
Opportunity: Encouraging SCO members to participate in India’s development journey.
PM Modi’s statement emphasises the need for collective action against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. He urged SCO member countries to work together to counter terrorism and radicalisation, and to oppose terror financing.
The SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) has played a significant role in this regard, and India has contributed to its efforts, including leading a joint information operation to counter Al-Qaeda and its affiliated terrorist organisations.