India Seeks Strong Condemnation of Cross-Border Terrorism at SCO Summit

Strategic Insights -

Ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, India has said it expects the grouping to strongly condemn cross-border terrorism. The SCO is a 10-member grouping that includes Pakistan, which is expected to be strongly condemned for its involvement in cross-border terrorism. Modi is scheduled to visit Japan and China from August 29 to September 1, and he will participate in the SCO summit on August 31-September 1 in Tianjin. India is working with other SCO members and partners to ensure a strong condemnation of terrorism in the summit declaration, said Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Tanmaya Lal. He recalled a joint statement on "countering radicalisation, extremism and terrorism" that was adopted during India's presidency of the grouping in 2023, which had strongly condemned terrorism.

Key Takeaways:

  • India expects the SCO to strongly condemn cross-border terrorism during the upcoming summit, with a focus on Pakistan's involvement in such activities.
  • Modi is scheduled to visit Japan and China from August 29 to September 1, with a stopover in China for the SCO summit on August 31-September 1 in Tianjin.
  • India is working with other SCO members and partners to ensure a strong condemnation of terrorism in the summit declaration.
  • The SCO was established with the primary goal of countering terrorism, separatism, and extremism, which continue to remain a challenge.
  • India recalled a joint statement on "countering radicalisation, extremism and terrorism" adopted during its presidency of the grouping in 2023, which strongly condemned terrorism.
  • India had refused to sign a joint declaration at the SCO defence ministers' meet in Qingdao in June due to the lack of mention of cross-border terrorism.

Statistics:

  • 26 civilians were killed in the June 2020 Pahalgam terrorist attack that led to India launching Operation Sindoor to dismantle cross-border terror infrastructure.
  • The SCO summit will be held on August 31-September 1 in Tianjin, China.
  • India's bilateral ties with China were strained for over four years after the clashes between their troops in Galwan in June 2020.
  • Japan is likely to announce a mega investment plan for India to be spread over the next 10 years.

Sources:

  • The Indian Express
  • Contify.com
  • Official news from the Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India