Kumar Bahukhandi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Image: X)
The SCO comprises 10 member nations— India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Iran and Central Asian nations Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked for China’s support at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit to be held on Monday September1, 2025 (IST) on the issue of cross-border terrorism and this “understanding and cooperation” is being extended by Beijing in “various ways” at the summit, foreign secretary Vikram Misri said at a special media briefing in Tianjin on Sunday evening. This comes as India is expected to strongly focus on condemnation of cross-border terrorism by the SCO in the declaration to be issued after the summit and has been in touch with SCO member nations.
The SCO comprises 10 member nations— India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Iran and Central Asian nations Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Belarus has joined as the 10th member of the grouping, which is seen by many observers as a China- and Russia-led bloc. It is expected that Islamabad will oppose New Delhi’s efforts on this score due to Pakistan’s role in directly supporting cross-border terrorism against India, the latest instance of which was the Pahalgam terror attack in April this year carried out by the Pakistan-based terror outfit The Resistance Front (TRF).
The foreign secretary said at the evening briefing that the Prime Minister had raised the issue of cross-border terrorism at the meeting in the morning with Chinese President Xi Jinping and had pointed out that this menace “impacts both nations”.
“We have received understanding and cooperation from China as we have dealt with this issue,” Mr Misri said. Asked about the issue further, he said, “The Prime Minister has asked for China’s support on (the issue of) terrorism, which has been extended. China has extended support (to India) in various ways.”
Observers point out China too had a few years ago faced the spectre of cross-border terrorism in its north-western Xinjiang province and had earlier feared that well-armed terrorists could sneak across its borders into Xinjiang from Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Asked about the issue of cross-border terrorism against India that is emanating from Pakistan, the ministry of external affairs’ secretary (west) Tanmaya Lal had said last week, “When the SCO was established, one of its main objectives was how to counter the challenges to peace and security arising from terrorism, separatism, and extremism. And this challenge remains. The security of the region remains a priority for the SCO members. In the past, there has been strong condemnation of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, in the statements that have been finalised… As far as the declaration at this summit is concerned, that is under finalisation… We are working with other members and partners to see that there should be a reiteration of the strong condemnation of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism. But the text is under finalisation.”
In his departure statement released last Thursday, Mr Modi had stated, “India is an active and constructive member of SCO. During our presidency, we have introduced new ideas and initiated collaboration in the fields of innovation, health and cultural exchanges. India remains committed to working with the SCO members to address shared challenges and deepen regional cooperation.”
