Source NDTV World
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a sharp and uncompromising message on terrorism at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, stressing that the global community must adopt a unified and consistent stance against the menace. His remarks gained particular significance as Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was present at the same forum.
Addressing leaders at the summit in Bishkek, Modi asserted that there should be “no double standards” when it comes to combating terrorism. He emphasized that selective approaches or political convenience in dealing with terror groups weaken global efforts and embolden extremist networks.
The Prime Minister went further, stating that countries which use terrorism as an instrument of state policy or provide safe havens to terrorists must be held accountable. In a remark widely seen as a veiled criticism of Pakistan, Modi said the international community must send a clear and strong message that terrorism can never be treated as a strategic asset.
Modi also called for dismantling the entire ecosystem of terrorism, including financing, recruitment, radicalisation, and cross-border support structures. He highlighted that terrorism remains one of the biggest threats to regional peace and stability, urging SCO member states to strengthen cooperation in intelligence sharing and counter-terror operations.
The SCO summit, attended by major regional powers including India, China, Russia, and Pakistan, provided a crucial platform for discussing security challenges. Modi framed security as a fundamental requirement for economic growth and regional connectivity, noting that without peace, development initiatives cannot succeed.
Interestingly, Sharif also addressed the summit and raised concerns on other regional issues, including water security, highlighting ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan. However, Modi’s strong remarks on terrorism dominated the discourse and underscored India’s long-standing position on cross-border terror.
India has consistently pushed for a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism on global platforms, and Modi’s speech reinforced this policy. By raising the issue in the presence of Pakistan’s leadership, India signaled its intent to keep international focus on what it considers a critical security concern.
The summit concluded with calls for greater regional cooperation, but Modi’s pointed message ensured that the issue of terrorism remained at the forefront of discussions, highlighting ongoing geopolitical tensions in South Asia.
