New Delhi-Beijing Diplomatic Breakthrough
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India achieved a major diplomatic success at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, as member nations collectively condemned the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The joint declaration—adopted in the presence of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif—emphasized the need to punish the perpetrators, organizers, and supporters of terrorism.
This marks a turning point for India, which had earlier expressed disappointment when the Pahalgam massacre was not mentioned in the SCO Defence Ministers’ declaration in June. At that time, New Delhi had refused to sign the document, signalling its firm stance on terrorism-related issues.
Pahalgam Attack: A Brutal Reminder of Terrorism in Kashmir
The April 22 Pahalgam attack was one of the deadliest acts of terrorism in recent years in Jammu & Kashmir. Pakistan-backed terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists, brutally killing 26 innocent people.
For India, this massacre symbolized the most dangerous face of terrorism—deliberate targeting of civilians to spread fear. By ensuring that the SCO officially acknowledged and condemned the attack, India succeeded in putting international pressure on Pakistan, often accused of supporting cross-border terrorism.
Pakistan Cornered at SCO Summit
What makes this diplomatic outcome even more significant is the presence of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the declaration. For years, Islamabad has faced global criticism for harboring extremist groups and using terrorism as an instrument of state policy.
At the summit, Sharif appeared visibly uncomfortable as Indian concerns dominated the discussion. Images from the event showed Prime Minister Narendra Modi in close conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, while Sharif stood silently nearby, underlining Pakistan’s growing isolation on the issue.
Modi’s Powerful Address: “Why Tolerate Open Support to Terrorism?”
During his address at the SCO session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a strong message against terrorism, calling it the biggest threat to global peace. Referring directly to the Pahalgam killings, he described the incident as “the worst face of terrorism” and reminded the world that India has endured this menace for more than four decades.
Modi questioned why some nations openly support terrorism and yet face no consequences. His remarks were interpreted as a clear reference to Pakistan, which continues to deny involvement despite mounting evidence of its role in sponsoring cross-border militancy.
SCO Members Unite on Counter-Terrorism Agenda
The inclusion of terrorism in the SCO joint declaration is a diplomatic breakthrough for India. It signals that the organization, which includes China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and Central Asian states, is increasingly recognizing the need for collective action against terror networks.
While differences remain among member states on specific regional conflicts, the unified stance against the Pahalgam attack demonstrates growing consensus that terrorism cannot be ignored or tolerated. The call for punishing not only the attackers but also their sponsors reflects India’s long-standing demand for accountability.
Symbolic Moments from the SCO Summit
The summit also produced several symbolic moments that highlighted India’s rising stature:
- Modi, Putin, and Xi Together: The three leaders were seen walking together after the photo session, signaling India’s balanced diplomacy between global powers.
- Putin-Modi Embrace: The warm hug between Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin underscored the strength of India-Russia ties.
- Sharif on the Sidelines: While Modi actively engaged with global leaders, Shehbaz Sharif was often seen standing aside, reflecting Pakistan’s declining influence within multilateral platforms.
Why This Matters for India’s Counter-Terrorism Diplomacy
India’s success at the SCO summit goes beyond symbolic victories. It reinforces New Delhi’s long-term strategy of internationalizing terrorism as a global challenge rather than a regional issue limited to South Asia. By ensuring explicit condemnation of the Pahalgam attack, India secured:
- Moral Support: A united message that terrorism against civilians is unacceptable.
- Strategic Leverage: Diplomatic pressure on Pakistan to curb cross-border militancy.
- Global Narrative Shift: Recognition that terrorism cannot be compartmentalized or selectively condemned.
Looking Ahead: Will SCO Action Match Its Words?
While the joint declaration is a diplomatic victory for India, the real challenge lies in implementation. SCO’s ability to translate strong words into concrete action will determine whether such declarations remain symbolic or lead to meaningful change.
For now, India has scored an undeniable diplomatic win by turning global attention to the Pahalgam massacre and exposing Pakistan’s double standards on terrorism. With terrorism increasingly seen as a shared threat, India’s leadership in shaping the global counter-terrorism agenda has grown stronger.
Conclusion
The SCO Summit in Tianjin marked a defining moment in India’s fight against terrorism. By securing collective condemnation of the Pahalgam attack—despite Pakistan’s presence—New Delhi demonstrated its diplomatic strength and commitment to global security. Prime Minister Modi’s strong words against terrorism, combined with visible support from other major powers, highlight India’s growing influence on international platforms.
As terrorism continues to challenge global peace, India’s success at the SCO sends a clear message: the world cannot afford to remain silent, and those who sponsor or shelter terrorists must be held accountable.
