External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Tianjin, China, where he strongly condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and its intent to incite religious division. Jaishankar called on SCO member states to adopt an "uncompromising" stance against terrorism to stay true to the organization's founding principles.

The Pahalgam attack, which occurred in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, mostly tourists. The attack was perpetrated by five armed terrorists who targeted tourists, particularly Hindu tourists, though a Christian tourist and a local Muslim were also among the deceased. The terrorists were armed with M4 carbines and AK-47s. The incident is considered the deadliest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Jaishankar emphasized that the attack was a deliberate attempt to undermine the tourism economy of Jammu and Kashmir and to sow religious discord. He reminded the SCO that it was founded to combat the "three evils" of terrorism, separatism, and extremism, which often occur together. He noted that the UN Security Council had condemned the attack and called for bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Several reports indicate that the Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), initially claimed responsibility for the attack. The TRF stated that the attack was in response to non-local settlement in the region following the abolition of Kashmir's special status. However, the group later denied involvement.

India has responded firmly to the attack, with Prime Minister Modi stating that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. Home Minister Amit Shah visited the region to review security measures. India's response included Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror infrastructure.

The attack led to increased tensions between India and Pakistan, with India accusing Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism. India reportedly suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and closed borders. Pakistan rejected these claims and retaliated by suspending the Simla Agreement, restricting trade, and closing airspace.

In the aftermath of the attack, security agencies identified three key individuals behind the attack. Hafeez Saeed and Saifullah Khalid Kasuri, both affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, are believed to be in Pakistan, while Hashim Moosa is thought to be hiding in the forests of South Kashmir.

Jaishankar also indirectly criticized China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), emphasizing that cooperation within the SCO must be based on mutual respect, sovereign equality, and territorial integrity. He also advocated for deeper trade and investment among SCO members, which would require addressing transit restrictions and promoting initiatives like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).