Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the plenary session of the SCO summit in Tianjin on September 1, 2025.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the Shangai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders to “unanimously state that no double standards on terrorism will be acceptable” and terrorism in all its forms and colours should be opposed.
He was addressing a plenary session of the Heads of State of the 10-member SCO, which began in Tianjin on Monday (September 1, 2025). The 25th summit was formally kicked off on Sunday (August 31, 2025) night with a massive banquet hosted by Mr. Xi . It was attended, among others, by Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Mr. Modi said India’s policy regarding the bloc was based on three pillars: security, connectivity, and opportunity.
On security, the Indian Prime Minister said Terrorism was a common challenge for the humanity. Recalling the Pahalgam terror attack, he listed India’s efforts in counterterrorism and its initiatives in fighting against al-Qaeda.
Mr. Modi said strong connectivity not only opens doors to trade, but also to trust and development. He also insisted that territorial integrity must be respected in every connectivity effort. “Connectivity, that by-passes sovereignty, loses trust and meaning,” he added.
Mr. Modi said there was opportunity for cooperation and reform in the bloc. He suggested that SCO could start a Civilizational Dialogue Forum to encourage sharing ancient civilizations, art, literature and traditions on a global platform.
Mr. Modi also reiterated call for UN reforms.
This year’s summit was stated to be the largest of the SCO group as China, which holds the Presidency of the organisation this year, has invited 20 foreign leaders and 10 heads of international organisations, including U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to attend the SCO Plus summit.
On Monday (September 1, 2025) the leaders address the meeting enunciating their future vision for the organisation.
In his address at the SCO summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said “India has played a very positive role as a member of the SCO. India’s vision and policy for the SCO is based on three important pillars. S – Security, C- Connectivity and O – Opportunity.”
Addressing the plenary session, Mr. Modi said “Any kind of double standard is not acceptable on the issue of terrorism.”
The Prime Minister further said “…India has taken the lead in the fight against terror outfits like al-Qaeda and its associates, and we oppose any kind of terror-financing. We have recently seen the brutal Pahalgam terror attack. I thank all the friendly nations who stood with us….”
Mr. Modi said “The Pahalgam terror attack was not just an attack on India’s soul but an open challenge to all those countries that have faith in humanity. It raises a serious question — should a country openly supporting terrorism be acceptable to any of us? We all must fight and oppose terrorism in all its forms. It is our responsibility towards humanity.”
Mr. Modi said “Terrorism, separatism and extremism are major challenges to peace, prosperity and stability of any nation.”
At the SCO summit, Mr. Modi said “We have seen ugly face of terrorism recently in Pahalgam. India has been facing scourge of terrorism for last seven decades.”
While kicking off the SCO summit and delivering the keynote address, Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted the fluid and chaotic world situation. Mr. Xi said “The member countries of SCO are all friends and partners, and should respect differences while maintaining strategic communication.”
(With inputs from Agencies)
Published – September 01, 2025 09:22 am IST
