TIANJIN, China (Sept 1): The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states adopted a strong declaration against terrorism during their summit, with leaders jointly condemning the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people.
In the statement, SCO members expressed sympathy for the victims’ families and stressed that perpetrators, organisers, and sponsors of such attacks must be held accountable. They reaffirmed their united stand against terrorism, separatism, and extremism, calling attempts to use terror groups for political or mercenary purposes “inadmissible.”
The declaration also underscored that sovereign states and their security agencies must take the lead in combating terrorist threats. Leaders agreed that double standards in the global fight against terrorism are unacceptable, urging the international community to intensify efforts against cross-border terrorist movements.
In addition to Pahalgam, the declaration referenced other violent incidents, including the Jaffar Express and Khuzdar attacks in Pakistan’s Balochistan region, as well as the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
India’s Stand on Double Standards
Notably, India refused to sign a joint SCO declaration in June, during a defence ministers’ meeting in Qingdao. New Delhi objected to the absence of any mention of the Pahalgam attack, despite references to incidents in Pakistan.
According to government sources, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declined to endorse the document, citing India’s position that selective condemnation weakens the global fight against terrorism. Singh reiterated that SCO members must avoid double standards and should not hesitate to criticise nations supporting or sheltering terrorist actors.
India’s firm stance highlights its continued call for a comprehensive, non-selective approach in addressing terrorism within regional and global frameworks.