Tianjin, China: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit has marked a major diplomatic shift for India, with New Delhi succeeding in placing the Pahalgam terror attack firmly on the multilateral agenda. For the first time, the summit declaration carried a pointed reference to the April 22 massacre, signaling stronger alignment with India’s long-standing stance against cross-border terrorism.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address, described the Pahalgam attack—where 26 civilians were killed—as “an open challenge to all those countries that believe in humanity.” His direct and emotional appeal stood in contrast to earlier SCO meetings, where India’s concerns often went unmentioned or diluted.
The Tianjin Declaration went further, with member states condemning the attack, expressing deep sympathy, and calling for the perpetrators and their sponsors to be brought to justice. This is a clear departure from past practice, where vague references often overshadowed India’s specific concerns.
PM Modi also took aim at what he called the “double standards” of certain nations, warning that selective tolerance of terrorism was unacceptable. PM strong words underscored India’s determination to make counter-terrorism a central theme in regional cooperation.
Analysts view this as a diplomatic milestone—India has not only secured global recognition of Pahalgam but also shifted SCO’s tone towards a more transparent and accountable approach. By rejecting vague narratives and spotlighting the attack, India has positioned itself as a decisive voice demanding united action against terrorism.
This assertive diplomacy signals that New Delhi is no longer willing to let its concerns be sidelined. Instead, it has successfully shaped the SCO platform into one that reflects its core security priorities—strengthening India’s standing in the fight against terror.
