SCO Tianjin Declaration Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack

During the 25th SCO Summit held in Tianjin, China, the Tianjin Declaration, adopted by SCO member states on September 1, 2025, included a strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack that occurred on April 22, 2025, in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack claimed 26 innocent lives, drawing widespread international sympathy and support for India.

SCO’s Unified Stance on Terrorism

The Tianjin Declaration reiterated the SCO’s firm and long-standing position against terrorism, separatism, and extremism. The member states,

• Expressed condolences to the families of the victims of the Pahalgam attack
• Called for justice for the perpetrators, organisers, and sponsors of such acts
• Rejected the use of terrorist and extremist groups for mercenary purposes
• Stressed that double standards in counter-terrorism are unacceptable

The declaration emphasized the central role of sovereign states in tackling terrorist threats, reaffirming that cross-border terrorism must be confronted with coordinated international action.

India’s Strong Push for Accountability

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his address at the Summit, had,

• Urged SCO nations to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism
• Highlighted the need to hold accountable those who support or sponsor cross-border terror
• Thanked member nations for their solidarity after the Pahalgam attack
• His remarks found clear reflection in the declaration, showcasing SCO’s alignment with India’s anti-terrorism agenda.

Broader Security Commitments

The declaration called for,

• Collective security efforts across SCO borders
• Strengthened cooperation on intelligence sharing, law enforcement, and anti-radicalization strategies
• Greater role of SCO institutions in building counter-terrorism capacity
• These measures align with the group’s broader goals of ensuring regional stability and mutual trust.