Shehbaz Sharif’s Awkward Turn At SCO As Modi-Xi Unite On Terror

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again positioned India as a leading voice against terrorism.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif faced a diplomatically awkward moment as member states, including China, echoed India’s call for united action against cross-border terror.

The summit saw visible signs of Pakistan’s isolation. Viral moments, including Shehbaz Sharif’s attempt to greet world leaders, were met with tepid or no response.

These visual cues were widely interpreted as a reflection of Pakistan’s diminishing influence within the forum.

SCO Condemns Pahalgam Attack

The SCO member states directly condemned the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam and pledged to bring its perpetrators, organisers, and sponsors to justice.

The condemnation came in the presence of Shehbaz Sharif and marked a rare moment of consensus among SCO nations on a terror attack that India squarely links to Pakistan.

The declaration expressed deep sympathy with the families of the victims and reaffirmed SCO’s commitment to fight terrorism in all its forms, rejecting double standards in the global approach to such threats.

Prime Minister Modi held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit.

During their discussions, PM Modi emphasised that both India and China have been victims of terrorism and must work together to tackle cross-border threats.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri noted that the Prime Minister clearly outlined the shared risks posed by terrorism and sought China’s support to combat this menace.

China, too, has faced repeated attacks on its infrastructure projects in Pakistan.

The growing threat from terror groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has led to rising tensions between Beijing and Islamabad.

Operation Sindoor and Shifting Narratives

Pakistan had earlier claimed diplomatic success following Operation Sindoor, India’s cross-border strike in response to the Pahalgam attack.

However, the SCO’s declaration and China’s alignment with India on terrorism have reversed that narrative.

The summit also brought global attention to India’s position that Pakistan plays a central role in sponsoring terror across the region.

India has long pushed for international recognition of Pakistan’s involvement in cross-border terrorism.

The National Investigation Agency’s probe into the Pahalgam attack has further cemented that stance.

At a summit meant to promote regional unity, the diplomatic optics told a different story.

While PM Modi and Xi shared common ground on the need to confront terrorism, Shehbaz Sharif found himself politically and diplomatically isolated.

The SCO’s strong messaging on the Pahalgam attack underscored a shifting regional alignment—one that increasingly favours India’s firm stance on counter-terrorism.

Also Read: PM Modi’s Firm Stand On Cross-Border Terrorism At SCO Summit Draws Global Praise