The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has strongly condemned the terrorist attack that occurred in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025. The condemnation came during the 25th Council of Heads of State summit in Tianjin, China, where the Tianjin Declaration was adopted. The declaration expressed condolences to the victims and called for bringing those responsible to justice.
The SCO members reiterated their firm commitment to fighting terrorism, separatism, and extremism. They stressed the unacceptability of using terrorist, separatist, and extremist groups for mercenary purposes. The declaration also emphasized the need to combat terrorism, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, and rejected double standards in counterterrorism efforts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the SCO summit, stated that India has been suffering from terrorism for four decades. He mentioned the Pahalgam attack, where 26 civilians were killed, as a recent example of the "disgusting face" of terrorism. Modi questioned whether the "open support" of terrorism by some countries was acceptable. He urged SCO member states to take a firm and decisive action against terrorism and stated that there should be no double standards in dealing with terrorism. Modi also called for coordinated action against terror financing and radicalization.
Modi highlighted India's three-pillar approach to strengthening cooperation under the SCO framework: security, connectivity, and opportunity. He emphasized that peace, security, and stability are key to progress and prosperity. Modi also underlined the importance of connectivity projects that respect sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The SCO's condemnation of the Pahalgam attack and its call for action against terrorism is a diplomatic win for India, especially as Pakistan is a member of the bloc. The joint statement echoed Modi's message that double standards in the fight against terrorism are unacceptable. The SCO members expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the deceased and wounded in the Pahalgam attack and affirmed that the perpetrators, organizers, and sponsors of such attacks must be brought to justice.
