SCO Summit 2025: PM Modi reprimanded America from the SCO platform, also cornered Pakistan on terrorism

SCO Summit 2025: A summit of the heads of state of the 10-member Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was held in Tianjin, China, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a tough stand against terrorism and protectionist policies and called on the global community to unite. During this, without naming Pakistan, he cornered it on the issue of terrorism and criticized the protectionist, unilateral and hegemonic policies of the US.

PM Modi's address: India's commitment and the role of SCO

Prime Minister Modi began his address by describing Tianjin as a symbol of progress and connectivity. He said,

"It is an honour to address this prestigious gathering in Tianjin, a city symbolizing progress and connectivity. On behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the leaders and delegates. I thank President Xi Jinping for hosting this summit and the grand hospitality."

Highlighting the expansion of the SCO, he said that the organisation, which started with six members at its inception, has now expanded to ten full members. This organization represents almost half of the world's population and a significant part of the global economy. Reiterating India's commitment, PM Modi said that India is looking forward to strengthening the role of SCO to promote regional stability, security and prosperity.

India's SCO policy: Security, Connectivity and Opportunity

PM Modi described India's thinking towards SCO as based on three main pillars:

Security: Zero tolerance policy against terrorism, separatism and extremism at the regional and global level.

Connectivity: Promoting regional cooperation and connectivity.

Opportunity: Ensuring prosperity by increasing economic and social opportunities.

He said that in the last 24 years, SCO has played an important role in strengthening cooperation and mutual engagement in Asia. India has contributed to this as an active and positive partner.

Tough stand on terrorism: Referring to the Pahalgam attack

The Prime Minister described terrorism as a common challenge to humanity and said that no country or society is untouched by it. Referring to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, he said,

"The attack in Pahalgam was an open challenge to every country and person who believes in humanity. I express my gratitude to the friendly countries who stood with us in this hour of grief."

Without naming Pakistan, he targeted Pakistan and said that open support to terrorism by some countries is unacceptable. PM Modi stressed,

"We have to say clearly and in one voice that no double standards on terrorism will be acceptable."

India's initiative against terrorism

India has taken many important steps against terrorism under the SCO. PM Modi said that India has taken action against terrorist organizations and terror financing by leading joint information operations this year. He proposed to establish an SCO-wide anti-radicalization framework on behalf of India, with an emphasis on dealing with cyber terrorism and other emerging threats.

He said,

• "India is ready to host the next Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) meeting and provide expertise in artificial intelligence (AI)-driven security solutions."

Attack on protectionism and unilateral policies

Without naming the US, PM Modi criticized its protectionist and hegemonic policies. He advocated a system based on global cooperation and equality and said that unilateral and hegemonic attitude is harmful to global prosperity.