SCO summit: Sharif in attendance, PM Modi cites Pahalgam, questions support for terrorism

With Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in attendance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called out open support by countries of terrorism and their double standards on the issue in his address at the plenary session of the SCO Summit.

Modi recalled the Pahalgam attack in which Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 people and said that it was “not only a blow to India’s conscience but also an open challenge to every country and individual who believes in humanity”.

In a thinly veiled swipe at Pakistan and China, its principal backer, Modi further said, “It is natural to ask: Can the open support of terrorism by some countries bring us to this situation? Excellency, we must say clearly and in unison that no double standard on terrorism will be acceptable. We must collectively oppose terrorism in every color and form. This is our duty towards humanity.”

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— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 1, 2025

When India launched Operation Sindoor to strike at terrorists in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) after the Pahalgam attack, China supported Pakistan to the hilt and provided active material and intelligence support throughout the conflict. China’s role was such that deputy army chief Lieutenant General Rahul R Singh said that China was essentially a backdoor adversary in the conflict.

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‘Terrorism a shared challenge for all humanity’

Modi called security as the first pillar of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and said that terrorism, separatism, and extremism pose major challenges on the path of security, peace, and stability that form the foundation of any country’s development.

Modi further said, “Terrorism is not just a threat to one country’s security but a shared challenge for all humanity. No country, society, or citizen can consider themselves safe from it. Therefore, India has emphasised unity in the fight against terrorism. SCO states have played a crucial role in this.”

Modi referred to India’s initiative of Joint Information Operation to fight Al-Qaeda and related terrorist organisations and proposed coordination against radicalisation and taking joint steps.

“Voices were raised against terror financing. I express my gratitude for the support I received in this,” Modi said.

PM Modi to meet Putin

On the second day of the SCO Summit, Modi will also hold a bilateral meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

“Prime Minister will be addressing the plenary session of the Summit, where he will outline India’s approach to fostering regional cooperation under the SCO umbrella. After this engagement, he is scheduled to have a bilateral meeting with President Vladimir Putin of Russia, following which he will depart for India,” Foreign Secretary Misri said on Sunday.

Previously, Modi held bilateral meetings with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on Sunday. He also had pull-aside meetings with several leaders, such as PM Phạm Minh Chính of Vietnam, Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon, PM Mostafa Madbouly of Egypt, President Muizzu of Maldives, and PM Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia.

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The meeting between Modi and Putin will take place at a time when US President Donald Trump has slapped 50 per cent tariffs on India, which include 25 per cent tariff as part of the broader rollout on over 60 countries and 25 per cent additional punitive tariff over India’s purchase of Russia’s oil. Trump and his aides have accused India of driving the Russian war on Ukraine.

Irrespective of Trump’s pressure campaign, India has continued to engage with Russia. Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Russia and held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Later this year, the Kremlin has said that Putin will hold a summit with Modi in India.

Ahead of the meeting with Putin, Modi held a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday.

In a hint that he sees India as an intermediary in dialogue with Russia, Zelenskyy said that India was ready to “deliver the appropriate signal” to Russia.

“It is impossible to speak meaningfully about peace while our cities and communities are under constant fire. India is ready to make the necessary efforts and to deliver the appropriate signal to Russia and other leaders during the meetings on the sidelines of the summit,” said Zelenskyy after the call.

The Modi-Putin meeting will take place at a time when Trump-led efforts to bring a settlement to the war in Ukraine appear to have failed as Russian attacks on Ukraine have not ceased and Russia has essentially rejected the proposed meeting with Zelenskyy and doubled down on maximalist demands, most of which are non-starters for Ukraine.