India Pushes for Strong Stand Against Cross-Border Terrorism at SCO Summit
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi gears up for a four-day visit to Japan and China from August 29 to September 1, India has made its expectations clear for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China: the grouping must deliver a strong condemnation of cross-border terrorism.
The demand comes at a time when global security concerns are intensifying, and India finds itself in the spotlight as one of the key voices pushing for greater accountability on terror networks that operate across borders.
Why the Focus on Terrorism?
Cross-border terrorism has been one of India’s biggest foreign policy challenges for decades, with Pakistan’s role often at the center of New Delhi’s concerns. By raising this issue at the SCO — a platform that includes both Pakistan and China — India is signaling that it will not shy away from pressing for clarity on a matter that directly impacts its national security.
This is particularly significant given the SCO’s composition. Alongside India, the grouping includes Pakistan, China, Russia, Iran, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Getting such a diverse set of countries to agree on strong language against terrorism will not be easy, but for India, it remains a priority.
India’s Expectations from the Summit
Officials in New Delhi have said that India wants the SCO to not only acknowledge the threat posed by terrorism, but also to call it out unequivocally, without exceptions or caveats. In recent years, India has repeatedly argued that terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstances, whether on religious, political, or ideological grounds.
By seeking a “strong condemnation,” India is aiming to ensure that the SCO, as a multilateral body, does not dilute its position or allow vague phrasing that leaves space for ambiguity.
The Diplomatic Balancing Act
For Modi, the SCO Summit in China is also about balancing multiple priorities. Before heading to Beijing, he will be in Japan to attend the annual India-Japan summit with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. There, the focus will be on economic security, semiconductors, AI, and investment partnerships. By the time Modi lands in China, the narrative will shift to regional security, geopolitics, and counterterrorism.
India will also be closely watching how China positions itself during the SCO discussions. Beijing has traditionally shielded Pakistan on sensitive issues, and New Delhi is aware that this could complicate any effort to build consensus on cross-border terror.
Why the SCO Matters
Formed in 2001, the SCO has grown into a major Eurasian bloc, covering a significant portion of the world’s population and geography. While its initial focus was on security cooperation, it has since expanded into areas like trade, connectivity, and cultural exchange. Yet, terrorism and extremism remain core issues on its agenda.
For India, the SCO provides a rare platform where it sits at the same table as Pakistan and China, while also working alongside partners like Russia, Central Asian states, and now Iran and Belarus. This makes it a crucial arena for raising its concerns and ensuring that they are part of the global conversation.
Looking Ahead
As Modi heads into the summit, all eyes will be on whether the final joint statement from the SCO includes strong and specific language on terrorism. While Pakistan’s presence in the grouping makes this a challenging task, India’s firm stance ensures that the issue cannot be sidestepped.
By demanding clarity and conviction from the SCO, India is not only highlighting its national concerns but also making the case that cross-border terrorism is a threat to global stability. The coming days will show how far the bloc is willing to go in addressing one of the most pressing security challenges of our time.
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