'Won't tolerate double standards on terrorism'; PM Modi's no-holds-barred attack targeting Pak in SCO summit

NEW DELHI: "Some countries are using terrorism as an instrument and providing haven and support to terrorists. This double standard will not be tolerated," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. Modi's attack came when Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was on the stage. The SCO summit is being held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan's capital.

“A strong response should be given to those who promote terrorism. The entire ecosystem of terrorism, including financing, recruitment and providing safe havens, must be disrupted. Today, the world is interconnected, so security concerns are far-reaching. The West Asian crisis has shown that conflict is not limited to one region. Its impact was felt all over the world through energy security, maritime trade, supply chains, etc. Developing countries are the biggest victims of this conflict.” PM Modi said that India has consistently called for resolving all tensions and conflicts through dialogue.

“Road, rail and air corridors should be opened to connect markets and facilitate trade. Customs procedures should be simplified. Digital documents should be promoted. Logistics networks should be made efficient. The benefits of SCO cooperation should reach the people. The centres being set up under the SCO to prevent drug trafficking are a good step.” PM Modi reminded that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries should be respected.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif came face to face at the SCO summit and in a group photo session, but avoided a meeting. Meanwhile, Modi exchanged pleasantries with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian Foreign Minister Sayyed Abbas Araghchi, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The Pakistani Prime Minister's Office published a group photo of the leaders, excluding Modi and the Iranian president. After this became controversial, Shehbaz shared a group photo with Modi on his own X account.