Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, where he called on all the members to to take a firm and united stand against terrorism, stressing that there can be no room for double standards in dealing with the issue.
PM Modi said terrorism is a direct challenge to humanity and must be opposed in all its forms and manifestations. "We have to say clearly and unanimously that no double standards are acceptable on terrorism," he said.
"This attack was an open challenge to every country and person who believes in humanity. In such a situation, it is natural to raise the question of whether the open support of terrorism by some countries can be acceptable to us. We have to unanimously oppose terrorism in every form and colour. This is our duty towards humanity," PM Modi added.
He further stated that terrorism, separatism and extremism remain the biggest obstacles to peace, stability and development, stressing that it is not limited to one nation but threatens the entire world.
"Security, peace and stability are the basis of development of any country. But terrorism, separatism and extremism are big challenges in this path. Terrorism is not just a challenge to the security of a country but a common challenge for all of humanity. No country, no society, no citizen can consider itself safe from it," he said.
Highlighting India’s counter-terrorism initiatives, he added: "Therefore, India has emphasised unity in the fight against terrorism...India took the initiative to fight Al Qaeda and the terrorist organisations associated with it by leading the Joint Information Operation...We raised our voice against terror financing. I express gratitude for your support in it."
PM Modi thanked Xi for inviting him to the SCO Summit and for the warm welcome accorded to him in China. He further highlighted the role played by India as the member of the SCO, saying that "India's vision and policy for the SCO is based on three important pillars. S - Security, C- Connectivity and O - Opportunity".
The Prime Minister further spoke about terrorism and the recent Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives. "India has been bearing the brunt of the terrorism for the last four decades. Recently, we saw the worst side of terrorism in Pahalgam. I express my gratitude to the friendly country that stood with us in this hour of grief," he said.
The summit meeting of the Heads of State of the 10-member Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) began on Monday in Tianjin, with Chinese President Xi Jinping welcoming the leaders. The 25th summit was kicked off on Sunday night with a massive banquet hosted by Xi.
In his welcome banquet address, the Chinese President said that the SCO has a greater responsibility in safeguarding regional peace and stability, and improving the development of countries in times of increasing uncertainties in the world.
"We steadily promoted law enforcement and security cooperation, properly managed and settled differences, unequivocally opposed external interference, and maintained peace and stability in the region. We were the first to launch Belt and Road cooperation... We always stand on the side of international fairness and justice, champion inclusiveness and mutual learning between civilisations, and oppose hegemonism and power politics," he said.