Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful message against terrorism at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, calling on the international community to adopt a united and uncompromising approach against one of the greatest threats facing humanity. His remarks gained special attention as Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also present at the high-profile gathering.
Addressing leaders at the SCO Summit, PM Modi stressed that terrorism should never be viewed through the lens of political convenience. He made it clear that the world cannot successfully defeat terrorism if different countries apply different standards to different terror groups.
The Prime Minister’s central message was straightforward: there should be no double standards in the fight against terrorism.
PM Modi highlighted that terrorism is not merely a problem for one country or one region. It is a challenge that can affect societies across the world. In an increasingly connected world, extremist networks can operate across borders, use international financial channels and exploit modern technology to spread propaganda and recruit new members.
For this reason, India has repeatedly called for stronger international cooperation.
At the SCO Summit, PM Modi urged member nations to work collectively against the complete ecosystem that supports terrorism. This includes financial networks, recruitment systems, radicalisation and safe havens that allow terrorist organisations to operate.
The Prime Minister’s remarks reflected India’s long-standing position that merely condemning terrorist attacks is not enough. Countries must take action against the systems operating behind such attacks.
Terror financing is one of the most important parts of this challenge. Terror organisations need money to recruit people, arrange logistics, spread propaganda and maintain their operations. Blocking these financial channels can significantly weaken extremist networks.
Recruitment is another major concern. Terror groups depend on bringing new individuals into their organisations. Today, digital technology and social media have created new opportunities for extremist groups to spread their ideology.
Radicalisation has also become a major international challenge. Preventing the spread of violent extremist ideas requires cooperation between governments, security agencies and communities.
PM Modi also highlighted the issue of safe havens. Terrorist groups can continue their activities when they have locations or support systems that allow them to organise and operate without facing effective action.
The presence of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif added greater political and diplomatic significance to Modi’s remarks. India and Pakistan have long had serious differences over terrorism and regional security.
However, PM Modi presented the issue before the wider international community as a global challenge that requires collective responsibility.
The SCO is an important platform for such discussions because it brings together major countries from across Asia and Eurasia. Security, stability and economic cooperation are among the key areas discussed by its members.
PM Modi also linked the fight against terrorism with development. According to India’s position, peace and security are essential for economic growth and regional prosperity.
Countries affected by terrorism often face instability, reduced investment and disruptions to normal economic activity. Therefore, defeating terrorism is not only a security priority but also necessary for development.
The Prime Minister’s strong message demonstrated that India will continue to raise the terrorism issue at major international forums.
His appeal for unity was also a reminder that selective action can weaken the global fight against extremist violence.
The message from the SCO Summit was clear: terrorism must be opposed in every form, and the world must work together to dismantle every system that supports it.
PM Modi’s address once again placed India’s counterterrorism policy at the centre of its international engagement and reinforced New Delhi’s demand for a consistent and united global response.
