The Tianjin Declaration adopted at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit marked a renewed collective stand of member nations against the menace of terrorism. The document clearly articulated that terrorism, irrespective of its form, manifestation, or justification, poses a direct threat to global peace and security. It strongly dismissed the practice of adopting selective approaches or double standards when dealing with terrorism, emphasizing that the fight against such threats must be carried out with a uniform, objective, and uncompromising global approach.
Within the declaration, SCO members condemned the April 22 terror strike in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which had claimed innocent lives and left several injured. Extending condolences to the families of the victims, the leaders underlined the urgent necessity of ensuring that the perpetrators, facilitators, and sponsors of such heinous crimes are held fully accountable before the international community. While the attack was denounced in strong terms, the declaration did not directly name Pakistan, despite India’s consistent charge that the neighboring country continues to provide shelter and operational space to terror groups.
Interestingly, the joint statement also condemned multiple terror incidents that took place inside Pakistan itself. Among these were the March 11, 2025, Jaffer Express bombing and the May 21, 2025, Khuzdar attack, both of which led to significant loss of civilian lives. By addressing these episodes, the declaration indirectly conveyed that terrorism spares no country and that even states accused of nurturing extremist outfits remain vulnerable to the same forces. This dual acknowledgment sought to underline that combating terrorism is a shared responsibility, one that requires regional and international cooperation.
The document further reiterated that the primary duty of tackling terrorism, separatism, and extremism rests with sovereign governments and their state agencies. It categorically stressed that no nation should exploit militant groups or extremist factions for short-term political or mercenary gains, since such practices not only destabilize neighbors but also create long-term security risks for the instigating country itself. This clause was seen as an implicit warning to any government that attempts to instrumentalize terrorism as a geopolitical tool.
During his address at the Leaders’ Meet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a firm reminder to the global community by asking whether the “open support” that some countries provide to terrorist organizations can be accepted any longer. He asserted that terrorism is not confined to a single nation or region, but represents a grave danger to humanity in its entirety. Stressing the need for absolute unity, he insisted that the world must adopt a single, unwavering voice against terrorism, leaving no scope for excuses or selective treatment.
Prime Minister Modi’s remarks were delivered in the backdrop of his two-day visit to China, which began on Sunday. His meeting with President Xi Jinping was aimed at rebuilding trust and resetting bilateral relations, which had been strained due to the prolonged Ladakh border standoff. The impasse, lasting nearly four years, was only formally resolved in October of the previous year. The SCO platform, therefore, not only provided a stage for counterterrorism discussions but also offered India and China an opportunity to re-engage diplomatically at a critical juncture.
