Tianjin (China), September 1, 2025: In a significant diplomatic achievement for India, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states gathered at the 25th SCO Heads of State Council Summit held in Tianjin, China and strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025. The Tianjin Declaration released on Monday stressed the urgent need to hold accountable the perpetrators, organisers and sponsors of the attack, thereby taking a clear stand against terrorism.
SCO members stand with India
The declaration said:
“The Member States strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025. They expressed their deepest condolences to the families of the dead and injured. They further said that the perpetrators, organisers and sponsors of such attacks must be brought to justice.”
This united statement by SCO members, including Russia, China and Central Asian countries, reflects a firm display of solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism.
Prime Minister Modi’s strong message against terrorism
Addressing the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s long-standing struggle against terrorism for the last four decades. Directly referring to the Pahalgam tragedy, he said:
“India has been suffering from terrorism for the last forty years. Recently, we witnessed the worst form of terrorism in Pahalgam. I express my gratitude to the friendly countries who stood with us in this hour of grief.”
Prime Minister Modi also urged member countries to reject double standards on terrorism and said that such selective approaches undermine global unity against extremist threats.
“This attack was an open challenge to every country and individual who believes in humanity. It is natural to question whether open support to terrorism by some countries can be acceptable. We must unanimously oppose terrorism in every form and colour. This is our duty towards humanity.”
Key highlights of the Tianjin Declaration
Along with strong words on terrorism, the Declaration reaffirmed the SCO’s commitment to close cooperation in innovation, culture and humanitarian efforts:
- Startups and innovation: Member countries welcomed the successful conclusion of the 5th SCO Startup Forum (3-5 April, 2025) in New Delhi, which promoted cooperation in technology and innovation.
- Think Tank Forum: The leaders described the 20th SCO Think Tank Forum (May 21-22, 2025) in New Delhi as an important step in enhancing policy discussions.
- Cultural Exchange: The SCO Study Centre of the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) was praised for strengthening people-to-people and cultural ties.
Importantly, the Declaration emphasised:
- Terrorism, separatism and extremism must be combated collectively.
- Double standards are unacceptable in the fight against terrorism.
- Sovereign nations must play a leading role in combating terrorist threats.
- Cross-border movement of terrorists remains a global concern that must be addressed.
Why it matters for India
For India, the SCO’s united condemnation of the Pahalgam terrorist attack represents not just diplomatic support but also moral legitimacy in its long fight against terrorism, particularly cross-border threats. Its recognition by both regional allies and rivals underscores that the world community cannot afford to ignore terrorism as a political weapon.
The 2025 SCO Summit in Tianjin has proved to be a diplomatic milestone for India, cementing its position on the global stage while also strengthening international cooperation against terrorism. The Tianjin Declaration resonates the spirit of “One Earth, One Family, One Future”, and reflects the collective resolve to fight extremist forces and build a safer and more secure future for all.