SCO Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack-A Change in Regional Counter-Terror Position

In September 2025 , the leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) made a vigorous joint statement denouncing all types of terrorism in their summit in Tianjin . It was also the first time that the statement directly mentioned the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir that resulted in the loss of 26 lives. The latter marks the continuation of the Indian diplomatic offensive and indicates a certain shift in the Chinese attitude to terrorism-related matters concerning India and Pakistan.

SCO's Strong Declaration

• The leaders of SCO have made an apology to Pahalgam attack victims.
• It also condemned Jaffer Express hijacking and the Khuzdar school bus bombing in Pakistan .
• It demanded that the terrorists and sponsors of terrorism be taken to justice and that cross-border terrorist networks are countered .
• Previously, India had declined to sign a June 2025 declaration released by the defence ministers after Pakistan had objected to mentions of terrorism. The Tianjin declaration is a breakthrough.

The Pahalgam Mention, Why?

• The SCO meetings that have come before did not mention the Pahalgam attack.
• Its mention shows how India succeeded in its diplomacy to demand accountability.
• It also means that international awareness of Indian security regarding Jammu and Kashmir is increasing.

China's Calculations

• In the traditional sense, China has been protecting Pakistan against terrorism-related accusations by vetoing the UN designation of terrorists such as Masood Azhar and Sajid Mir .
• The Tianjin declaration would indicate minor, yet important realignment , potentially connected to the attempts to strengthen India-China relations after PM Modi paid a visit to Beijing recently.
• Nevertheless, China did not mention the involvement of Pakistan in sponsoring terrorism directly.

Implications in the Region and Strategy.

• There are no changes to the close relations between China and Pakistan, especially the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
• The SCO declaration puts emphasis on the balancing act between India, China and Pakistan at the geopolitical front.
• To India, this is a diplomatic victory although by no means a solution. India does not want China to pay lip service to cross-border terrorism.

Influence on India-China Relations.

China can be regarded as giving a goodwill gesture to India in the reference of the Pahalgam attack in the SCO declaration. Although this can help alleviate the tensions a bit, New Delhi is hoping to see greater assistance in