SCO Summit: PM Modi calls out open supporters of terror, slams double standards — full speech

In a thinly veiled reference to Pakistan, and its principal supporter China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday slammed open supporters of terrorism and called out double standards of countries on the issue in his address at the plenary session of the SCO Summit.

With Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping in attendance, Modi recalled the Pahalgam attack in which Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 people and asked how open support to terrorism could be acceptable.

Modi called for joint action against radicalisation and said that terrorism remains a shared challenge for the world and requires collective efforts to address it.

Sharing my remarks during the SCO Summit in Tianjin. https://t.co/nfrigReW8M

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 1, 2025

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Beyond terrorism and security, Modi also spoke about connectivity and cultural issues and how SCO could contribute in these domains.

Here is the approximate English translation of Modi’s full address delivered in Hindi:

I am pleased to participate in the 25th Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). I extend my heartfelt gratitude to President Xi for the excellent welcome and hospitality.

Today is Uzbekistan’s Independence Day. Yesterday was Kyrgyzstan’s National Day. On this occasion, I extend congratulations and best wishes to both leaders.

Excellencies,

Over the past 24 years, the SCO has played a vital role in connecting the extended family across the Eurasian region. As an active member, India has always played a constructive and positive role.

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India’s approach and policy towards the SCO are based on three main pillars: S – Security, C – Connectivity, O – Opportunity.

Regarding the first pillar, “S” for Security, I would like to say that security, peace, and stability are the foundation of any country’s development. However, terrorism, separatism, and extremism pose major challenges on this path.

Terrorism is not just a threat to any one country’s security, but a shared challenge for all humanity. No country, society, or citizen can consider themselves immune. That’s why India has emphasised unity in the fight against terrorism.

SCO-RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure) has played a crucial role in this. This year, India led a Joint Information Operation initiative to combat Al-Qaeda and affiliated terrorist organisations. We also proposed coordinated efforts and joint actions against radicalisation.

We raised our voice against terror financing, and I thank everyone for the support received.

Excellencies,

India has endured the scourge of brutal terrorism for the past four decades. Countless mothers have lost their children, and many children have been orphaned.

Recently, we witnessed a horrific act of terrorism in Pahalgam. In this moment of grief, I thank the friendly nations that stood with us. This attack was not just a blow to India’s conscience. It was a direct challenge to every nation and individual who believes in humanity.

In such circumstances, it is natural to ask: Can we accept open support for terrorism by some countries?

Excellencies,

We must clearly and unanimously declare that double standards on terrorism are unacceptable. We must collectively oppose terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. This is our duty to humanity.

Excellencies,

Now I would like to share my thoughts on the second pillar, “C” for Connectivity. India has always believed that strong connectivity not only boosts trade but also opens doors to trust and development.

With this vision, we are working on initiatives like the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor. These will help enhance our connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia.

We believe that every connectivity effort must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity. This principle is enshrined in the core tenets of the SCO Charter.

Connectivity that bypasses sovereignty loses trust and meaning.

Excellencies,

The third pillar is “O” for Opportunity — Opportunity for cooperation and reform.

During India’s presidency in 2023, we infused new energy and ideas. We introduced new areas of cooperation such as start-ups and innovation, traditional medicine, youth empowerment, digital inclusion, and shared Buddhist heritage.

Our aim was to take the SCO beyond governments — to connect ordinary people, young scientists, scholars, and start-ups.

To further strengthen our people-to-people ties, I propose the creation of a Civilizational Dialogue Forum under the SCO. This will allow us to share our ancient civilisations, art, literature, and traditions on a global platform.

Excellencies,

Today, India is moving forward with the mantra of Reform, Perform, and Transform. Whether it was Covid or global economic instability, we have tried to turn every challenge into an opportunity.

We are continuously working on wide-ranging reforms. These reforms are opening new avenues for development and international cooperation. I invite all of you to be part of India’s development journey.

Excellencies,

It is heartening to see that the SCO is evolving with time. Four new centers are being established to tackle contemporary challenges such as organised crime, drug trafficking, and cyber security. We welcome this reform-oriented mindset.

SCO members can enhance mutual cooperation for reforms in global institutions. On the occasion of the UN’s 80th anniversary, we can collectively call for UN reform.

It is a grave injustice to future generations to confine the aspirations of the Global South within outdated frameworks. We cannot showcase the vibrant dreams of the new generation on the black-and-white screens of the past. The screen must change.

The SCO can become a guiding force for multilateralism and an inclusive world order. I am pleased that a statement is being issued today on this important subject.

Excellencies,

We are moving forward with coordination and cooperation with all partners. I extend my best wishes to the next SCO Chair, the President of Kyrgyzstan and my friend, President Japarov.

Thank you very much.