New Delhi, Sep 1: In a strong show of solidarity, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states, meeting in Tianjin, condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack of April 22, 2025, in which 26 civilians were killed.
The condemnation, adopted in the presence of Pakistan and Turkey’s leadership, marks a significant moment in the region’s security diplomacy.
The Tianjin Declaration expressed “deep sympathy and condolences” to the families of the victims and stressed that perpetrators, organisers, and sponsors of such attacks must be held accountable.
For India, which has long pressed for an uncompromising stand against cross-border terrorism, the declaration is a diplomatic reinforcement of its position.
The statement went further, condemning other recent attacks, the Jaffer Express bombing on March 11 and the Khuzdar attack on May 21, reiterating that terrorism in all its forms is unacceptable and cannot be justified.
REJECTING DOUBLE STANDARDS IN COUNTERTERRORISM
The member states jointly declared that double standards in the fight against terrorism were unacceptable and urged the international community to strengthen cooperation against the cross-border movement of terrorists.
The declaration emphasised the central role of the United Nations, calling for the full implementation of UNSC resolutions and the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and pressed for consensus on a long-delayed Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
Alongside the political messaging, the summit also saw the signing of key agreements, including the creation of a Universal Centre for Countering Challenges and Threats to SCO Security and an SCO Anti-Drug Centre.
The leaders also noted the proposal to establish a Centre for Strategic Studies in the field of security.
The declaration confirmed continued implementation of the 2025-2027 Programme of Cooperation in Countering Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism, first adopted in Astana in 2024.
The SCO also highlighted the role of its Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), which coordinates joint military and counterterrorism exercises.
The leaders cited the success of the ‘Interaction Anti-Terror 2024’ drill held in China and pledged to expand joint measures, including information-sharing and counter-propaganda operations.
To tackle radicalisation, the summit adopted the 2026-2030 Programme on Countering Extremist Ideology, building on the 2017 SCO Convention on Countering Extremism.
The declaration also reaffirmed support for the UN resolution against the glorification of Nazism, neo-Nazism, racism, and intolerance.
The member states renewed their commitment to strengthening border security under the 2015 Ufa Agreement, taking note of the ‘Solidarity 2024’ border operation by SCO border services.
They also pledged cooperation against drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and other forms of transnational crime.
At the same time, the declaration acknowledged India’s contributions to the SCO.
It endorsed the theme of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future,’ and welcomed the outcomes of the 5th SCO Startup Forum in New Delhi (April 3-5, 2025), which promoted cooperation in science, technology, and innovation.
The document also noted the 20th meeting of the SCO Think Tank Forum (New Delhi, May 21-22, 2025) as a platform for policy dialogue, and praised the role of the SCO Study Centre at the Indian Council for World Affairs (ICWA) in advancing cultural and humanitarian exchanges among member states.
For New Delhi, the Tianjin Declaration represents not just rhetorical support but an acknowledgement of its longstanding concerns over terrorism.
The fact that the Pahalgam attack was condemned explicitly, at a summit attended by Pakistan and Turkey, adds diplomatic weight.
By linking terrorism with drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and cross-border radicalisation, the SCO has moved closer to India’s call for a comprehensive approach to security threats.
The declaration also mirrors India’s position that sovereignty and state-led mechanisms are central to tackling terrorism, rejecting any attempt to exploit extremist groups for political or mercenary ends.
