Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reiterated India’s stance on terrorism at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, urging member nations to take united action against extremism.

Terrorism and separatism, he said, are grave threats to peace, stability and prosperity everywhere. Modi reminded the gathering that India has been dealing with the menace for seven decades.

Referring to the recent Pahalgam terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians, many of them tourists, were killed in broad daylight, he underlined India’s frontline role in confronting global terror groups such as Al-Qaeda and its affiliates, while reiterating New Delhi’s opposition to terror financing.

The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to friendly nations that stood by India during this crisis and sharply criticised countries that “openly support terrorism.”

“Any sort of double standard is not permissible on the issue of terrorism,” PM Modi stated during the plenary session of the 25th SCO Heads of State Council Summit. “India has been at the forefront of the battle against terror groups such as Al-Qaeda and their affiliates, and we are against any form of terror financing. We have witnessed recently the heinous Pahalgam terror attack. I thank all the friendly countries that stood with us.”

He added that the Pahalgam attack was not only an assault on India but also a challenge to humanity. “It is a serious question – whether a country openly sponsoring terrorism is acceptable to us? All of us have to combat and resist terrorism in all its manifestations. It is our duty towards humanity,” Modi said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of connectivity projects that respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, noting that this principle is part of the SCO Charter.

“Connectivity must always be sensitive to sovereignty and territorial integrity; this is an integral principle of the SCO Charter. Such connectivity that evades sovereignty loses credibility and significance,” he said.

Modi stressed that India sees connectivity not only as a driver of trade but also as a tool for building trust and promoting development. “India strongly believes that robust connectivity guarantees not merely trade, but trust and development. That is why we are developing Chabahar and the International North-South Economic Corridor, which will increase connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia,” he added.

Reflecting on India’s SCO presidency in 2023, Modi said the aim was to shift the organisation’s focus from government-to-government to initiatives that touch people’s lives directly.

“We brought new vigour and creativity in our presidency in 2023, such as youth power, digitalisation, and Buddhist heritage. In our presidency of the SCO in 2023, we attempted to move the SCO beyond governments for the convenience of common citizens and startups,” he noted.

He further suggested the creation of a ‘Civilisation Dialogue Forum’ within the SCO to deepen cultural exchanges. “In order to make the people-to-people contacts in the SCO stronger, I suggest that we develop a ‘Civilisation Dialogue Forum’. It will give us an international platform to showcase our ancient civilisation, culture, tradition, and literature,” Modi said.

Looking at India’s path forward, the Prime Minister said the country was advancing with the mantra of Reform, Perform and Transform. “Today, India is progressing with the mantra of Reform, Perform, and Transform. We attempt to make each challenge an opportunity, whether it be Covid or international uncertainty. We are engaged in reforms, and I invite you all to be part of India’s development story. The SCO is also changing with time,” he said.