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Pahalgam attack condemnation, India’s CPEC message to China, and Modi-Xi-Putin bonhomie: Top highlights from SCO Summit 2025

Statesman News Service

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday raised the issue of Pahalgam terrorist attack and called out the double standards on terrorism during his address at the 25th SCO Heads of State Council Summit in Tianjin, China.

PM Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and heads of state of several other countries gathered in the port city of Tianjin for the 2025 SCO Summit, the biggest since its inception in 2001.

The Summit is being held amid global trade disruptions due to US President Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs on India and almost every other country.

The SCO Summit is being seen as a major show of Global South solidarity amid the US trade war. It is also being hailed by many as a pivotal moment as a new world order rises with India at the centre.

Earlier on Sunday, Modi held a bilateral meeting with Xi Jinping during his first visit to China after a gap of seven years. Both leaders agreed to take forward the bilateral ties between India and China, with Xi calling it a “right choice”. Modi said India-China cooperation is needed for the welfare of humanity.

Top Highlights from SCO Summit 2025:

Prime Minister Modi leaves for New Delhi after concluding his two-day China visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his China visit with a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. After their meeting, Modi left for New Delhi.

PM Modi’s full speech during Tianjin SCO Summit

Modi, Putin bilateral meeting begins in Tianjin

The bilateral meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun in Tianjin, China, reports news agency United News of India (UNI).

In his opening remarks during the bilateral, Modi highlighted the “special and privileged” partnership between India and Russia.

He also confirmed Putin’s India visit in December later this year, saying 140 crore Indians are eagerly waiting for the Russian President.

The Prime Minister also welcomed the peace efforts towards ending the Ukraine conflict, reaffirming India’s position that a way has to be found to end the conflict at the earliest and establish lasting peace.

“We have been continuously discussing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. We welcome all the recent efforts for peace. We hope that all parties will move forward constructively. A way has to be found to end the conflict as soon as possible and establish lasting peace. This is the call of the entire humanity,” Modi remarked.

PM Modi, Putin travel together to bilateral summit venue

After the SCO Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin travelled together to the venue of their bilateral meeting.

“After the proceedings at the SCO Summit venue, President Putin and I travelled together to the venue of our bilateral meeting. Conversations with him are always insightful,” Modi posted on X.

More on Tianjin Declaration

“The Declaration echoes the theme of ‘One Earth, One Family and One Future’. Member states welcomed the results of the 5th SCO Startup Forum (New Delhi, 3-5 April 2025) in deepening cooperation in the field of scientific and technical achievements and innovations. Member States noted the holding of the 20th meeting of the SCO Think Tank Forum (New Delhi, 21-22 May 2025). They also noted the contribution of the SCO Study Centre at the Indian Council for World Affairs (ICWA) in strengthening cultural and humanitarian exchanges,” reads the declaration.

Tianjin SCO Declaration condemns Pahalgam terror attack

“The Member States strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025. They expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the dead and the wounded. They further stated that perpetrators, organisers and sponsors of such attacks must be brought to justice,” reads the declaration.

Modi’s message to China on CPEC project with Pakistan

“Connectivity that bypasses sovereignty loses trust and meaning…” said Prime Minister Modi at the SCO Members Session in Tianjin.

PM Modi further added, “India has always believed that strong connectivity not only boosts trade but also opens doors to growth and trust. With this in mind, we are working on initiatives like the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor. This will help us improve connectivity with Afghanistan and the Central Asia.”

Modi invites SCO members to be part of India’s growth journey

Highlighting India’s growth, Modi said that the country is moving ahead following the mantra of Reform, Perform and Transform.

“We have tried to turn every challenge into an opportunity… I invite all of you to be a part of India’s development journey,” he said.

Terrorism poses major challenge to development of any country: Modi

“Security, peace, and stability are the foundation of development for any country. But terrorism, separatism, and extremism pose major challenges on this path. Terrorism is not just a threat to the security of one nation but a common challenge for all of humanity. No country, society, or citizen can consider themselves safe from it. That is why India has always emphasized unity in the fight against terrorism. India took the initiative to counter Al Qaeda and affiliated terrorist organizations by leading the Joint Information Operation, and we also raised our voice against terror financing. I express my gratitude for your support in these efforts…,” the PM said.

With Pak PM in attendance, Modi raises terrorism during plenary address

During the Shanghai Cooperation Council (SCO) Members Session in Tianjin, China, PM Narendra Modi raised the issue of terrorism and the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack. He expressed gratitude towards friendly nations that stood with India in its hour of grief. Without naming Pakistan, Modi said that some countries are openly supporting terrorism.

“This attack was an open challenge to every country and every individual who believes in humanity. In such a situation, it is natural to ask whether the open support of terrorism by some countries can be acceptable to us. We must unanimously oppose terrorism in every form and manifestation — this is our duty towards humanity…,” said the Indian PM.

Modi congratulates Uzbekistan on its Independence Day as he begins his address

“I am happy to participate in the SCO Summit. I want to thank President Xi Jinping for giving us a grand welcome. Today is the Independence Day of Uzbekistan, I congratulate them as well,” says Modi.

WATCH | PM Modi addresses the SCO Summit plenary session in Tianjin, China

Xi oppose hegemonism and power politics

“We steadily promoted law enforcement and security cooperation, properly managed and settled differences, unequivocally opposed external interference, and maintained peace and stability in the region. We were the first to launch Belt and Road cooperation… We always stand on the side of international fairness and justice, champion inclusiveness and mutual learning between civilisations, and oppose hegemonism and power politics…,” says the Chinese President.

Xi Jinping opening remarks at SCO Summit

In his opening remarks at the SCO Members Session in Tianjin, Chinese President Xi Jinping said, “As early as 24 years ago, when it was founded, the SCO established the Shanghai spirit that is mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilisations and pursuit of common development… We were the first to set up a military confidence-building mechanism in our border areas, turning our extensive borders into a bond of friendship, mutual trust and cooperation. We were the first to take multilateral actions against the three forces of terrorism, separatism and extremism. We steadily promoted law enforcement and security cooperation…”

Xi slams ‘bullying’ behaviour in world order

In an apparent reference to US President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping slammed ‘bullying’ behaviour in the world order. He calls on SCO member countries to start the SCO bank as soon as possible.

Xi Jinping opens SCO Summit 2025

Chinese President Xi Jinping declares open the SCO Summit. He says the SCO has made great contribution to upholding regional security. Xi also called for UN-centred world order. He further highlighted that China’s trade with SCO countries stands at USD 2.3 trillion.

PM Modi interacts with Putin, Xi during SCO Summit in Tianjin

“Interactions in Tianjin continue! Exchanging perspectives with President Putin and President Xi during the SCO Summit,” says Modi on X.

PM Modi’s bonhomie with Putin, Xi and other world leaders steals the show

PM Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and other Heads of State and Government pose for a family photograph at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China.

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