New Delhi: In a riveting address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful double-barrelled message, condemning Pakistan’s tacit support for cross-border terrorism and criticising America’s protectionist trade policies.
Speaking before leaders including Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif and China’s Xi Jinping, Modi called for global unity against terrorism and cooperation over dominance, reinforcing India’s assertive stance on the world stage.
A Resolute Stand Against Terrorism
Modi’s speech zeroed in on terrorism as a universal threat, with a pointed, albeit indirect, jab at Pakistan. Referencing the horrific Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives, he described it as “an open challenge to every nation and individual who believes in humanity.” “No country, no society, no citizen can feel safe from this scourge,” he declared, emphasising India’s four-decade struggle against terrorism that has left countless children orphaned. “Can we accept the open support for terrorism by some countries? We must say in one voice: no double standards on terrorism are acceptable.”
India’s proactive role in the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) was a focal point. Modi highlighted India’s leadership in joint information operations against groups like Al-Qaeda and its affiliates, as well as efforts to curb terror financing. He proposed an SCO-wide framework to counter radicalisation and emerging threats like cyber-terrorism, offering to host the next RATS meeting and share India’s expertise in AI-driven security solutions.
A Subtle Swipe At The US
Without naming the United States, Modi took aim at “protectionist, unilateral, and domineering” policies that hinder global cooperation. The critique, widely seen as a response to US President Donald Trump’s 50% tariffs on Indian goods, underscored India’s resistance to economic coercion. Modi advocated for a multipolar world order, urging SCO nations to champion global institutions’ reform, particularly as the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary. “Keeping the Global South’s aspirations trapped in outdated frameworks is a grave injustice,” he said, calling for a unified push for change.
India’s Vision For SCO: Security, Connectivity, Opportunity
Modi outlined India’s approach to the SCO, built on three pillars: security, connectivity, and opportunity. He emphasised that the organisation, now representing nearly half the world’s population with 10 member states, has strengthened regional ties over its 24-year history. India, an active member since 2017, has played a constructive role, Modi noted, citing initiatives like the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor to boost connectivity with Central Asia and Afghanistan. “Connectivity that bypasses sovereignty loses trust and meaning,” he added, a subtle nod to respecting territorial integrity.
The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s 2023 SCO presidency, which introduced themes like startups, traditional medicine, and digital inclusion. He proposed a Civilizational Dialogue Forum to share the region’s art, literature, and heritage, reinforcing people-to-people ties.
The Pahalgam Context & Global Solidarity
The Pahalgam attack, carried out by Pakistan-based terrorists, loomed large in Modi’s speech. The SCO’s Tianjin Declaration strongly condemned the assault, demanding justice for its perpetrators, a diplomatic win for India. “I thank the friendly nations who stood with us in this hour of grief,” Modi said, acknowledging global support. The attack’s fallout, including India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor in May 2025, has heightened tensions with Pakistan, making Modi’s call for zero tolerance on terrorism resonate even louder.
A Bold Diplomatic Play
Modi’s Tianjin address was a masterclass in diplomacy, balancing sharp critiques with a vision for cooperation. As he met Putin and Xi on the sidelines, sharing a symbolic car ride with the former, India signalled its strategic autonomy. In a world of trade wars and terror threats, Modi’s speech underscored India’s resolve to chart its own course, championing unity and fairness on the global stage.