Big Win For India, Diplomatic Blow For Pakistan: SCO Declaration Condemns Pahalgam Attack, Urges Justice For Perpetrators

India scored a major diplomatic victory at the 25th Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tianjin, as the Tianjin Declaration of the Council of Heads of State strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and called for justice for its perpetrators. The condemnation, reflecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's firm stance on terrorism, has put Pakistan in an awkward position on the international stage.

Tianjin Declaration Sends Strong Message

“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.

The declaration reaffirmed SCO members' commitment to combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism, and underscored the inadmissibility of using terrorist groups for mercenary purposes-directly echoing India's long-standing concerns.

"The Member States, while reaffirming their firm commitment to the fight against terrorism, separatism, and extremism, stress the inadmissibility of attempts to use terrorist, separatist and extremist groups for mercenary purposes. They recognise the leading role of sovereign States and their competent authorities in countering terrorist and extremist threats. The Member States strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, stress that double standards in the fight against terrorism are unacceptable, and call on the international community to combat terrorism, including cross-border movement of terrorists," reads the declaration

PM Modi Highlights Double Standards 

Earlier today, addressing the SCO plenary, PM Modi emphasized India's four-decade-long struggle against terrorism and condemned“double standards” in the global fight against terror.

“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 to the friendly country that stood with us in this hour of grief,” he said.

“This attack was an open challenge for every person, every county who believes in humanity. At this time, it is natural to question that whether open support of terrorism by some countries is acceptable to us. We have to speak in a united voice that no double standards on terrorism will be acceptable. We have to unanimously oppose terrorism in every form and colour. This is our duty towards humanity,” PM Modi added.

The April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed at least 26 people, triggered Operation Sindoor, during which India targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK and repelled subsequent Pakistani aggression.

PM Modi also highlighted India's proactive measures:“Security, peace and stability are the basis of development of any country. But terrorism, separatism and extremism are big challenges in this path. Terrorism is not just a challenge to the security of a country but a common challenge for all of humanity. No country, no society, no citizen can consider itself safe from it. Therefore, India has emphasised unity in the fight against terrorism...India took the initiative to fight Al Qaeda and the terrorist organisations associated with it by leading the Joint Information Operation...We raised our voice against terror financing. I express gratitude for your support in it.”

SCO's Wider Agenda and India's Role 

Besides condemning terrorism, the Tianjin Declaration also focused on scientific, technical, and cultural cooperation. India has been an active SCO member since 2017, previously chairing the SCO Council of Heads of Government in 2020 and the Council of Heads of State from 2022-23, consistently promoting counter-terrorism and development agendas.

"The Declaration echoes the theme of "One Earth, One Family and One Future". Member states welcomed the results of the 5th SCO Startup Forum (New Delhi, 3-5 April 2025) in deepening cooperation in the field of scientific and technical achievements and innovations. Member States noted the holding of the 20th meeting of the SCO Think Tank Forum (New Delhi, 21-22 May 2025). They also noted the contribution of the SCO Study Centre at the Indian Council for World Affairs (ICWA) in strengthening cultural and humanitarian exchanges," reads the declaration.

A Clear Message to the World

With the Tianjin Declaration, SCO member states have sent a resounding signal that terrorism cannot be tolerated. India's stand, reinforced by PM Modi, underscores that double standards in tackling terrorism are unacceptable, marking a clear moral and diplomatic victory for New Delhi and a sharp rebuke to Pakistan.

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