Modi slams West for duplicity on terror as Trump rolls out red carpet for Munir

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has questioned the duplicity of the Western world in tackling terrorism, asking why countries that openly support it are being rewarded, even as US President Donald Trump prepares to host Pakistan’s army chief General Asim Munir for lunch at the White House.

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Speaking at the G7 Summit in Canada, Modi raised the issue before world leaders, stating, “On one hand, we are quick to impose all kinds of sanctions based on our own preferences. On the other hand, countries that openly support terrorism are rewarded.”

Though he did not explicitly mention Pakistan, the reference was to the repeated fiscal bailouts granted to the country by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), including a $1 billion package approved in May this year.

Meanwhile, an official advisory released by Washington said Trump would be hosting Munir for lunch in the Cabinet Room of the White House at 1 pm on Wednesday. The development comes weeks after India and Pakistan were locked in a four-day military conflict.

At the G7 Summit, Modi posed another pointed question to the leaders and invitees: “Are we truly serious about addressing terrorism? Will we understand the true meaning of terrorism only when it knocks on our own doors?”

He emphasised the need to differentiate between India and Pakistan and asked, “How can perpetrators of terror and its victims be equated?” he also questioned whether global institutions would remain “mute spectators to terrorism”.

Calling for decisive action, Modi warned that history would never forgive inaction. "Turning a blind eye towards terrorism for the sake of vested interests or extending support to terror or terrorists, is a betrayal of all humanity," he added.

Referring to the April 22 terror Pahalgam attack, Modi said, “There should be no place for double standards on terrorism. The attack was not only an attack on Pahalgam but also on the soul, identity and dignity of every Indian. It was an attack on the entire humanity.”

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, Modi participated in the outreach session of the G7 Summit, where he addressed a session on energy security. He highlighted how global uncertainty and conflicts had adversely affected countries of the Global South and stressed India’s role in amplifying their voices on the world stage. He underlined that understanding the priorities and concerns of the Global South was crucial for a sustainable future.

The G7 Summit is an annual gathering of leaders from the US, the UK, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, Canada and the European Union (EU).