PM Modi at SCO summit: What he said on terrorism, sovereignty, global dialogue forum

Referring to the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where terrorists opened fire and shot dead 26 civilians, mostly tourists, in broad daylight, PM Modi highlighted India’s leading role in combating global terror outfits, such as Al-Qaeda and its affiliates, and reiterated the country’s opposition to terror-financing.

He also expressed gratitude to the friendly nations for standing with India during the difficult time and hit out at the countries that “openly support terrorism”.

Terrorism and Double Standards

“Any kind of double standard is not acceptable on the issue of terrorism,” PM Modi said while addressing the plenary session of the 25th SCO Heads of State Council Summit. “India has taken the lead in the fight against terror outfits like Al-Qaeda and its associates, and we oppose any kind of terror-financing. We have recently seen the brutal Pahalgam terror attack. I thank all the friendly nations who stood with us.”

VIDEO | Tianjin, China: PM Narendra Modi (@narendramodi), addressing the plenary session of the 25th SCO Heads of State Council Summit, says,

“Security, peace, and stability are the foundation of any country’s progress. But terrorism remains a challenge for the entire humanity,… pic.twitter.com/H15RQUEwpg

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 1, 2025

“The Pahalgam terror attack was not just an attack on India’s soul but an open challenge to all those countries that have faith in humanity. It raises a serious question – should a country openly supporting terrorism be acceptable to any of us? We all must fight and oppose terrorism in all its forms. It is our responsibility towards humanity,” the Indian prime minister said.

Connectivity and Sovereignty

PM Modi underlined the significance of connectivity projects that respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, aligning with the fundamental principle of the SCO Charter.

“Connectivity should always respect sovereignty and territorial integrity-this is a fundamental principle of the SCO Charter. Connectivity that bypasses sovereignty loses trust and meaning,” PM Modi said.

He stressed that India views connectivity as a tool not only for trade but also for fostering trust and development.

“India firmly believes that strong connectivity ensures not just trade, but also trust and development. That is why we are working on Chabahar and the International North-South Economic Corridor, which will enhance connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asia,” he stated.

India’s SCO Presidency

Reflecting on India’s presidency of the SCO in 2023, PM Modi highlighted India’s efforts to take the Organisation beyond governments for the ease of common people.

“…In 2023, we infused new energy and ideas during our presidency, including youth empowerment, digital inclusion, and Buddhist heritage. During our presidency of the SCO in 2023, we tried to take the SCO beyond governments for the ease of common people and startups,” PM Modi said.

‘Civilisation Dialogue Forum’

PM Modi further proposed the formation of a ‘Civilisation Dialogue Forum’ to enhance people-to-people ties in the SCO, stating that this would provide a global platform for the countries to share ancient civilisation, culture, traditions, and literature.

“To enhance people-to-people ties in the SCO, I propose the formation of a ‘Civilisation Dialogue Forum’. It will provide a global stage to share our ancient civilisation, culture, traditions, and literature,” he said.

“Today, India is moving ahead with the mantra of Reform, Perform, and Transform. We try to turn every challenge into an opportunity-be it Covid or global instability. We are working on reforms, and I invite you all to join India in its development story. The SCO is also evolving with time,” PM Modi added.