SCO leaders condemn Pahalgam terror attack, demand justice in Tianjin

Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on Monday strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, calling it an assault not just on India but on the shared values of humanity. The grouping adopted the Tianjin Declaration, which demanded that the perpetrators, organisers, and sponsors of the attack be brought to justice without delay.“The Member States strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025. They expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the dead and the wounded. They further stated that perpetrators, organisers and sponsors of such attacks must be brought to justice,” the declaration read.
Addressing the plenary session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Pahalgam strike was not only an attack on India but also “an open challenge to countries and people believing in humanity.” He urged SCO members to strengthen cooperation against terrorism and reaffirmed India’s commitment to multilateralism under the theme “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”PM Modi also extended his best wishes to Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, who will assume the next presidency of the SCO.The declaration welcomed the outcomes of the 5th SCO Startup Forum held in New Delhi earlier this year, recognising its role in boosting cooperation in scientific and technical innovations. It also highlighted the 20th SCO Think Tank Forum hosted in New Delhi in May 2025 and appreciated the contributions of the SCO Study Centre at the Indian Council for World Affairs (ICWA) in promoting cultural and humanitarian exchanges.“The SCO can be a guide for multilateralism and an inclusive world order. I am happy that a statement is being issued on this important subject. We are moving ahead with all our partners,” PM Modi added.

#WATCH | At the Shanghai Cooperation Council (SCO) Members Session in Tianjin, China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "India has been bearing the brunt of the terrorism for the last four decades. Recently, we saw the worst side of terrorism in Pahalgam. I express my gratitude… pic.twitter.com/TU3cAf1ibc

— ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2025

The second day of the SCO Summit 2025 in Tianjin saw strong displays of camaraderie among world leaders, including PM Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Modi was seen sharing a car ride with Putin en route to their bilateral meeting, where discussions on trade, defence, and energy were expected.This summit carries added significance amid global realignments, including US-China tensions, shifting energy security priorities, and India’s balancing act between its partnerships with Russia and the West.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin travel in the same car to the destination of their bilateral meeting in Tianjin, China. pic.twitter.com/YczNd18Jr3

— ANI (@ANI) September 1, 2025

India-China & India-Russia Engagements
PM Modi’s visit marks his first trip to China in seven years. On the eve of the summit, he held talks with President Xi Jinping, focusing on the need to build mutual trust, respect, and peace along the border. The meeting followed their previous interaction at the 2024 BRICS Summit in Kazan.Later in the day, Modi is scheduled to meet President Putin, with discussions expected to cover strategic cooperation, defence collaboration, and energy security, as well as Putin’s planned visit to India later this year,according to information.