September 1, 2025:
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has, for the first time, explicitly condemned the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in its Tianjin Declaration. The move comes after previous omissions had caused a diplomatic rift with India.
The declaration expressed “profound sympathy and condolences” to the families of the 26 civilians killed in the attack and stressed the need to bring all perpetrators, organizers, and sponsors of terrorism to justice. India had earlier withheld endorsement of SCO statements that failed to reference the Pahalgam attack, citing concerns over the organization’s commitment to combating cross-border terrorism.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the SCO summit, described the Pahalgam attack as an assault on humanity and urged member states to adopt a unified stance against terrorism. He emphasized the need for international cooperation, transparency, and rejection of double standards in fighting extremism.
India’s diplomatic efforts were seen as pivotal in shaping the Tianjin Declaration. Experts note that the explicit condemnation strengthens multilateral counter-terrorism initiatives and signals a collective commitment to regional security.
The SCO’s position marks a diplomatic win for India and reinforces its push for global cooperation against cross-border terrorism, highlighting the importance of multilateral platforms in addressing international security challenges.
