Tianjin (China): Prime Minister Narendra Modi shamed Pakistan in the presence of world leaders on Monday by bringing up the issue of cross-border terrorism and the April 22 Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 innocent lives.
Pakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif was present when Modi, during his address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, thanked friends for standing with India during the difficult time and pointed out how “some countries openly support terrorism”.
The Indian Prime Minister underlined SCO’s role in connecting Eurasia and said the regional group’s foundation is built on Security, Connectivity and Opportunity.
“With regard to the first pillar, S for Security, I want to say security, peace and stability are critical for every country’s development. And terrorism, separatism and radicalism are big challenges on this path. Terrorism is important, not for any one country, but a challenge for all humanity. That is why India has stressed unity in the war against terror,” Modi said.
“We have to clearly, and in one voice, say that double standards won’t be acceptable on terrorism. We would have to oppose terrorism in all its colours and forms. This is our responsibility towards humanity,” he added.
The Prime Minister noted how India has been suffering due to terrorism for four decades now and many mothers have lost their children to this scourge.
“Recently, we saw a very ugly form of terrorism in Pahalgam. I thank the friends who stood with us during this crisis. This was not just an attack on India’s soul, but an open challenge to every country believing in humanity. So a question arises, is open support by some countries to terrorism acceptable,” he said.
It now remains to be seen if the the Eurasian powers, including China, back India’s position in the joint statement of the summit.
The Prime Minister made it clear that security is every country’s right and terrorism is a big challenge, not just for India but for the rest of the world.
“Can open support for terrorism by some countries ever be acceptable to us? We must state clearly that no double standards will be tolerated in the fight against terrorism,” he said.
