Modi Urges Global Unity Against Terrorism at SCO Summit

Tianjin, China, Sep 1 (PTI) - In a powerful address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) annual summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the urgent need to combat terrorism, emphasizing that the recent Pahalgam terror attack was not just an assault on India's conscience but an open challenge to humanity itself. Speaking in the presence of heads of state, including Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Modi called for unified global efforts against terrorism, urging nations to abandon "double standards" in their fight.

"It is natural to ask -- can the open support for terrorism by certain countries ever be acceptable to us?" Modi stated firmly, addressing Pakistan and its backers indirectly. He also touched on issues of sovereignty in connectivity projects, hinting at China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which India criticizes as part of it traverses through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The focal point of Modi's speech was a clarion call for collective global action against terrorism. "We must state it clearly and in one voice: double standards on terrorism are unacceptable." He stressed that the responsibility to counteract terrorism falls on all of humanity, suggesting no nation, community, or individual is entirely secure from its threat. In response to the Pahalgam attack, India launched a counter-offensive dubbed Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled territories. This operation led to four days of intense clashes, culminating in a truce on May 10.

Drawing from India's four-decade-long struggle against brutal terrorism, Modi reflected on the "grave scars" it has left. "Countless mothers have lost their children, and innumerable children have been left orphaned," he lamented, thanking ally nations for their support in times of grief. Addressing the SCO member countries, Modi introduced an acronym for SCO: "S for Security, C for Connectivity, and O for Opportunity," stressing the importance of peace and stability for development. He pointed out that terrorism, separatism, and extremism present continuous challenges.

"Terrorism is not only a threat to the security of individual nations, but a shared challenge to all of humanity," he reiterated, advocating for global unity. Modi emphasized connectivity's role in regional development, asserting that any such endeavors must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity as highlighted in the SCO Charter. He proposed a Civilizational Dialogue Forum within the SCO to showcase the rich cultural heritage of member nations on a global platform.

The Prime Minister also stressed the significance of focusing on the Global South's development, criticizing the retention of its aspirations within obsolete frameworks as unjust. Highlighting India's own development journey, driven by the mantra "reform, perform, and transform," Modi invited member nations to partake in India's progress. He concluded by highlighting India's resilience in converting challenges, whether the Covid pandemic or global economic instability, into opportunities.

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