New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a pointed rebuke of Pakistan’s assumption of the rotating chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on Tuesday, condemning the use of terrorism as a strategic tool and warning that “terror‑peddling nations cannot be trusted with regional leadership responsibilities.” The remarks came during a ceremony marking Pakistan’s formal takeover of the SCO helm, a position the country will hold through the end of 2025.
What happened
The SCO chairmanship passed to Pakistan after the organisation’s enlargement summit in 2024, which admitted Afghanistan as a full member. The handover ceremony, attended by senior officials from the 19 member states, featured Modi’s address, in which he highlighted the need for connectivity initiatives to respect territorial integrity. Modi’s speech was broadcast live and later published in full by the Times of India, which described the prime minister’s remarks as a direct response to Pakistan’s new leadership role.
The prime minister’s statement underscored India’s long‑standing concerns about Pakistan’s alleged support for cross‑border militancy, particularly in the disputed region of Kashmir. Modi emphasized that any regional grouping must be free from the influence of states that “peddle terror” and that such nations should not be entrusted with responsibilities that require trust and cooperation.
Why it matters
The timing of Pakistan’s chairmanship is significant for several reasons. First, it coincides with heightened tensions between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir dispute and over competing connectivity projects linked to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Both countries have pursued separate BRI corridors that traverse contested territories, raising security and sovereignty concerns for New Delhi.
Second, the SCO’s counterterrorism mandate is a central pillar of the organisation’s charter. India has repeatedly called for stronger cooperation against terrorist groups operating from Pakistani soil, yet Pakistan’s elevation to a leadership position could complicate efforts to achieve consensus on security matters.
Third, the chairmanship provides Pakistan with a platform to shape the SCO’s agenda on economic integration, energy cooperation, and regional trade. While the SCO is primarily a security‑focused bloc, its economic dimensions have grown in recent years, offering opportunities for member states to expand connectivity and commerce.
The diplomatic fallout could affect broader regional dynamics, including the ongoing dialogue between India and its neighbours, the strategic calculations of major powers such as China and Russia, and the prospects for Afghanistan’s full integration into SCO mechanisms.
Background and context
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation was founded in 2001 by China, Russia, and four Central Asian republics. It has since expanded to include India, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, making it one of the largest multilateral bodies in Eurasia. The SCO’s charter emphasizes counter‑terrorism, anti‑extremism, and the protection of member states’ territorial integrity.
India joined the SCO in 2017, bringing its strategic interests into a forum where it often finds itself at odds with Pakistan over the Kashmir issue. Over the years, New Delhi has used SCO meetings to raise concerns about cross‑border terrorism, citing incidents such as the 2019 Pulwama attack, which India attributed to a Pakistan‑based group.
Pakistan’s relationship with militant groups has been a subject of international scrutiny. While Islamabad maintains that it has taken steps to curb terrorism, India and other observers continue to allege that certain elements within the Pakistani state continue to support armed groups for strategic purposes.
The Belt and Road Initiative, launched by China in 2013, seeks to build infrastructure links across Asia and beyond. India views the BRI projects that pass through Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir and the Pakistan‑Afghanistan border as encroachments on its sovereignty. The competing BRI corridors have become a flashpoint in Indo‑Pak relations, with New Delhi warning that such projects could facilitate the movement of weapons and terrorists.
The 2024 SCO enlargement summit marked a pivotal moment for the organisation. In addition to Pakistan’s chairmanship, the summit welcomed Afghanistan as a full member, a move intended to enhance regional security cooperation and provide a diplomatic channel for the war‑torn nation. The inclusion of Afghanistan adds another layer of complexity, as the country’s security situation remains fragile and its government’s control over territory is contested.
Analysis:
The appointment of Pakistan to lead the SCO has reignited debate over the organisation’s ability to enforce its counterterrorism commitments. While the SCO’s charter calls for robust action against terrorist groups, the presence of a member that is accused of supporting such groups raises questions about the effectiveness of collective security measures.
India’s criticism reflects a broader strategic calculation. By publicly condemning Pakistan’s leadership, Modi aims to signal to both domestic and international audiences that New Delhi will not tolerate what it perceives as state‑sponsored terrorism. The remarks also serve to rally support from other SCO members that share similar concerns about Pakistan’s role in regional security.
The SCO’s internal dynamics are likely to be tested during Pakistan’s tenure. The organisation’s working groups on security, economic integration, and counter‑terrorism will need to navigate competing interests, particularly between India and Pakistan. The success of the chairmanship will depend on Pakistan’s willingness to address security concerns, engage in confidence‑building measures, and demonstrate that it can act as a neutral facilitator rather than a partisan actor.
What to watch next
– SCO meetings in 2025 – The first major gathering under Pakistan’s chairmanship, scheduled for early 2025, will provide an early indicator of how Pakistan intends to lead the agenda. Observers will be watching for any concrete proposals on counterterrorism cooperation and for the level of participation from India and Afghanistan.
– India’s diplomatic outreach – New Delhi is expected to continue its multi‑pronged approach, combining public statements, bilateral talks, and engagement with other SCO members to isolate Pakistan diplomatically. The extent of India’s success in rallying support will be a key factor in shaping the SCO’s direction.
– Afghanistan’s integration – As a new full member, Afghanistan’s ability to contribute to security discussions and to implement SCO‑backed counter‑terrorism initiatives will be closely monitored. The Afghan government’s stance on cross‑border militancy and its cooperation with Pakistan will be pivotal.
– Connectivity projects and BRI – The ongoing development of BRI corridors through Pakistan and Afghanistan will remain a point of contention. Any escalation in disputes over infrastructure could affect trade and security cooperation within the SCO framework.
– China and Russia’s role – Both Beijing and Moscow have strategic interests in a stable SCO. Their willingness to mediate between India and Pakistan could influence the organisation’s cohesion and effectiveness.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s assumption of the SCO chairmanship marks a significant moment for regional diplomacy, bringing together a bloc of nations with divergent security interests and competing visions for connectivity and economic integration. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sharp rebuke underscores India’s long‑standing concerns about terrorism and highlights the challenges the SCO faces in reconciling the actions of a member state accused of supporting militant activities.
The chairmanship will test the organisation’s ability to balance security imperatives with economic ambitions, especially as it grapples with the integration of Afghanistan and the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan over the Belt and Road Initiative. The coming year will reveal whether Pakistan can use its leadership role to address legitimate security concerns or whether the SCO will remain a forum where geopolitical rivalries dominate.
As the SCO moves forward, the eyes of New Delhi, Islamabad, Kabul, and the broader international community will be fixed on the outcomes of key meetings, the evolution of counterterrorism cooperation, and the potential for diplomatic breakthroughs that could reshape security and economic dynamics across Eurasia.
Sources
– Times of India: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pak-takes-sco-chair-pm-modi-slams-use-of-terror-as-strategic-asset/articleshow/133691725.cms
Source: Times of India – Top Stories
Corrections
If you believe this article contains an error, contact Herald Express with the source URL and supporting evidence.
Story synopsis gathered from: Times of India – Top Stories — source
