Big Win for India As SCO Condemns Pahalgam Attack, Echoes PM Modi by Saying 'Double Standards' on Terrorism 'Unacceptable'

Within hours of Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressing that the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states need to collectively state that "double standards" on terrorism cannot be accepted, the group directly mentioned the Pahalgam terror attack in its summit declaration in line with India's position.

For India, this is an important diplomatic victory, especially since Pakistan — accused in the past of fostering terrorism in India — is a member of the SCO and its Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the summit.

The statement strongly condemned the Pahalgam attack which claimed the lives of 26 innocent individuals and expressed "deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the killed and the injured." The member states claimed that those responsible for planning, carrying out, or financing such attacks should be brought to justice.

The statement also emphasized that using terrorist, separatist, or extremist forces for mercenary purposes is unacceptable. Reiterating its zero-tolerance policy, the SCO declared terrorism in all its forms must be condemned and reaffirmed that "double standards" in counter-terrorism are "unacceptable." The group called for the international community to stand united against terrorism, including addressing cross-border movements of militants.

In his address, Prime Minister Modi reminded members that India has endured terrorism for the past four decades, with countless families losing loved ones. Speaking about the recent event, he uttered, "Recently, we saw a very ugly form of terrorism in Pahalgam. I thank the friends who stood with us during this crisis. This was not just an attack on India's soul, but an open challenge to every country believing in humanity. So a question arises, is open support by some countries to terrorism acceptable?"

Emphasizing the significance of stability and peace, he further said, "And terrorism, separatism and radicalism are big challenges on this path. Terrorism is not important for any one country, but a challenge for all humanity. That's why India has stressed unity in the war against terror,"

He also added, "We have to clearly, and in one voice, say that double standards won't be acceptable on terrorism. We would have to oppose terrorism in all its colours and forms. This is our responsibility towards humanity," Modi's words were afterwards echoed in the Tianjin declaration made by the bloc.

At the same time, the Tianjin summit highlighted solidarity among great Eurasian powers — India, Russia, and China. Indian Prime Minister Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping were spotted exchanging smiles, handshakes, and friendly gestures. The show delivered a powerful message at the backdrop of US President Donald Trump's tariff moves.

In a particularly symbolic moment, Modi and Putin walked hand in hand, signaling that Washington’s warnings would not derail New Delhi’s long-standing ties with Moscow. The two later joined President Xi, and the trio engaged in a lively conversation, sparking speculation about their discussion. Their relaxed and friendly demeanor suggested a comfort level likely to keep the US guessing.