Terrorism is a collective challenge to humanity: PM Modi at SCO summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said terrorism is a collective challenge to humanity and India has been facing the scourge of terrorism for the past seven decades.

The PM was addressing the summit meeting of the Heads of State of the 10-member SCO that began here on Monday.

The PM said, “We have seen the ugly face of terrorism recently in Pahalgam. Terrorism, separatism and extremism are major challenges to peace, prosperity and stability of any nation. Terrorism is a collective challenge to humanity.”

The leaders of the organisation began a day-long deliberation to chalk out the future course of the bloc. Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed the leaders.

The 25th summit formally kicked off here on Sunday night with a banquet hosted by Xi.

It was attended, among others, by PM Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

This year's summit is stated to be the largest of the SCO group as China, which holds the Presidency of the organisation this year, has invited 20 foreign leaders and 10 heads of international organisations, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to attend the SCO Plus summit.

On Monday the leaders will address the meeting enunciating their future vision for the organisation.

Modi's speech is being keenly watched for its content in the backdrop of US President Donald Trump's tariff war and the Indian prime minister's meeting with Xi on Sunday, which was widely expected to provide a new roadmap for the ties.