SCO Leaders Condemn Pahalgam Terror Attack And Demand Accountability

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders have strongly condemned the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. They demanded accountability for those who executed, organised, and sponsored the attack. The Tianjin Declaration, adopted at the Council of Heads of State summit, expressed deep sympathy and condolences to the victims' families. The declaration emphasised that justice must be served to all involved in such acts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the SCO platform to highlight India's ongoing battle against terrorism. Without directly naming Pakistan, he described the Pahalgam massacre as an assault not only on India but on humanity itself. "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," Modi stated during his address at the summit plenary.

SCO Summit: Security, Connectivity & Opportunity

Modi's remarks were significant as they were made in front of Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This summit marked their first shared diplomatic stage since tensions escalated between New Delhi and Islamabad earlier this year. India has accused Pakistan of sponsoring the April 22 attack and presented what it called "incontrovertible evidence" of Islamabad's involvement.

In response to the massacre, India launched Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev targeting militant infrastructure across the Line of Control. Additionally, India took decisive steps to downgrade ties with Pakistan by suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, a landmark agreement that had endured multiple wars.

Diplomatic Tensions with Pakistan

The SCO's collective condemnation is noteworthy as it unites nations with differing interests, including Russia and China. The bloc's stance aligns with India's long-held view that state-backed terrorism should not go unpunished. Although no country was named in the declaration, Modi's pointed remarks and India's evidence against Pakistan left little doubt about the diplomatic context.

Modi expressed gratitude to friendly nations supporting India during this challenging time. "India has been bearing the brunt of terrorism for the last four decades," he noted. He thanked allies who stood by India following the Pahalgam attack, highlighting international solidarity against terrorism.

The SCO summit underscored India's position on terrorism while fostering dialogue among member states. Modi reiterated that double standards in addressing terrorism are unacceptable. His comments resonated with many leaders present at the summit, reinforcing India's commitment to combating global terrorism.

The Tianjin Declaration serves as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation in addressing terrorism. It highlights how nations can come together despite differing interests to condemn acts threatening global peace and security.