Why Are Defence Experts Praising PM Modi's Firm Stance on Cross-Border Terrorism at the SCO?

New Delhi, Sep 1 (NationPress) Defence experts and retired army officers expressed their support on Monday for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's (SCO) joint statement that condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, commending Prime Minister Narendra Modi for clearly stating India’s position against cross-border terrorism and highlighting global double standards.

Former army officer, Maj Gen G.D. Bakshi (retd), noted that India’s assertiveness in international forums is reshaping global views.

In a conversation with IANS, Bakshi remarked: "When the US imposed tariffs on India, President Donald Trump thought he could set the rules. However, we are not subservient. India demonstrated its strength by sustaining oil imports from Russia. If the US believes it is in a unipolar era, reality will soon dawn on them. Even Japan has reconsidered its trade stance after witnessing India’s determination. Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have strengthened their cooperation, with India announcing plans to acquire even more Russian oil in September. Trump should question why even America’s allies are reassessing their loyalties. It’s a positive sign that Pahalgam was referenced in the SCO declaration."

Brigadier S.V. Bhaskar (retd) commended PM Modi’s statements at the SCO Summit.

“Everything PM Modi articulated regarding terrorism is absolutely correct. Terrorism is not solely a challenge for India; it poses a global threat. The entire international community must confront and eradicate this issue together. During Operation Sindoor, numerous nations provided Pakistan with technology to counter India. While Jammu and Kashmir has been a terrorism hotspot for many years, we have recently witnessed signs of peace and progress. PM Modi’s statement is not only accurate but also sends a clear message to the world that terrorism cannot be tolerated.”

Defence analyst and former naval officer G.J. Singh emphasized the strategic significance of India’s diplomacy.

"When three superpowers unite on a single platform at the SCO Summit, it conveys a powerful message—not just globally but especially to America. The origins of this are tied to tariffs under Trump’s ‘Make America Great Again’ initiative. India is justified in prioritizing its national interests. We are friends of America, not its subordinates. Nevertheless, we must also consider the crucial agreements we have established with the US in recent years. The current approach is balanced, but we must plan prudently for the future."

He added: "The mention of Pahalgam in the joint declaration is significant, but it could also be superficial. History illustrates that China has consistently backed Pakistan with arms, as seen during Operation Sindoor. India must remain vigilant at all times. If China is earnest, it must act decisively, not just in words. PM Modi was correct to emphasize that SCO member states need to unite against the double standards surrounding terrorism."

Earlier, SCO member states strongly condemned the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, stating that those responsible for such violence should be held accountable.

In the Tianjin Declaration issued by the Council of Heads of State, the statement declared, "The Member States firmly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025. They extended their deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of those deceased and injured. They emphasized that the perpetrators, organizers, and sponsors of such attacks must face justice."

This condemnation followed PM Modi's appeal to SCO leaders for a strong stance against terrorism and a collaborative effort to eradicate the threat.

During his opening address at the summit, attended by Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PM Modi referenced the Pahalgam attack and expressed gratitude to "friends" for their support of India, while simultaneously criticizing the double standards of nations that openly endorse terrorism.

The member states reaffirmed their commitment to combatting terrorism, separatism, and extremism, underscoring that exploiting such groups for mercenary purposes is unacceptable.

The declaration stressed that terrorism in all its manifestations must be condemned and cautioned against applying double standards in the global fight against terrorism, while also advocating for international cooperation to restrict the cross-border movement of terrorists.

PM Modi's involvement in the SCO Summit also occurs in the context of recent US tariff increases.