There should be no double standards on terrorism, PM Modi at SCO Summit

Speaking virtually at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that countries need to respect territorial integrity. "We do not see the SCO as an extended neighbourhood, but rather as an extended family. Security, economic development, connectivity, unity, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and environmental protection are the pillars of our vision for SCO," PM Modi said.

Taking a swipe at cross-border terrorism, PM Modi said: "Terrorism is a threat to regional and global peace. We will have to fight against terrorism...Some countries use cross-border terrorism as an instrument of their policies and give shelter to terrorists. SCO should not hesitate to criticize such countries. SCO countries should condemn it. There should be no double standards on terrorism."

Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) today are holding an online summit, hosted by India, which holds the presidency of SCO and the G20 this year. The meeting of the SCO Heads of States is being chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.


China’s President Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin are also participating in the virtual summit, which is Russian President first appearance at an international event since the short-lived mutiny by the Wagner mercenary group in late June.

Formed in 2001 by China and Russia, with former Soviet central Asian states as members and joined later by India and Pakistan, the eight-member SCO is a political and security group. Other members of SCO are Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Iran has been accepted as a member at today's summit while Belarus has signed a memorandum of obligations which will lead to its membership later.

The summit takes place barely two weeks after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden for a state visit.

Both Putin and Xi are expected to visit New Delhi in September as India hosts the G20 summit, and Biden and leaders of other member nations are also likely to be present. (With Agency Inputs)