SCO Nations Condemn Pahalgam Terror Attack; Call For Justice Against Perpetrators

The member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) have issued a strong condemnation of the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, stressing that those responsible, including the perpetrators, organisers, and sponsors, must face justice.

In the Tianjin Declaration adopted by the Council of Heads of State, SCO members conveyed their deepest condolences and solidarity with the families affected by the attack.

The Declaration stated, “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 brought to justice.”

The attack involved four armed terrorists from The Resistance Front, an affiliate of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, who opened fire on 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while delivering his opening address at the summit in the presence of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, raised the Pahalgam attack.

The Prime Minister thanked partner nations for their support and criticised countries that adopt ‘double standards’ by openly backing terrorism.

Calling for collective action, the Prime Minister said, “This attack was not only an attack on India’s soul but an open challenge to all the countries that believe in humanity. In such a situation, the question arises whether a few countries supporting terrorism openly should accepted by us? We should speak in a united front that no double standards are accepted in terrorism.”

Reaffirming their united stance, the SCO member states underlined their opposition to terrorism, separatism, and extremism.

They emphasised that no state should attempt to use such groups for political or mercenary objectives.

Global Call to Counter Terror Networks

The declaration reiterated that sovereign states and their institutions bear primary responsibility for countering terrorism and extremist threats.

Member nations also called on the global community to intensify efforts against terrorism, including tackling cross-border movement of militants, and stressed that double standards in this fight are ‘unacceptable’.

The statement further echoed the theme of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, aligning with India’s initiatives at the summit.

In addition, member states welcomed the successful hosting of the 5th SCO Startup Forum in New Delhi earlier in April, which focused on scientific and technological cooperation.

They also noted the 20th meeting of the SCO Think Tank Forum, held in May in New Delhi, and appreciated the role of the SCO Study Centre at the Indian Council for World Affairs (ICWA) in fostering cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

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