PM says can't have double standards on terrorism

IN REMARKS TARGETING China and Pakistan while President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif were listening, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Tuesday that some countries "use cross-border terrorism as an instrument" of their policies and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) should not hesitate to criticise such nations because there can be "no place for double standards on such serious matters".

- SHUBHAJIT ROY

Delhi has been repeatedly pointing out that Islamabad uses terrorist groups as instruments of "state policy", while Beijing has been blocking the listing of Pakistan-based terrorists at the UN Security Council (UNSC).

Modi also took on Beijing and Islamabad on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), saying while executing connectivity projects, it is essential to "respect the sovereignty and regional integrity" of member countries of the SCO.

He told leaders of the SCO grouping - President Xi, Prime Minister Sharif and President Vladimir Putin were among those who attended the virtual summit- that "terrorism has become a major threat to regional and global peace. Dealing with this challenge requires decisive action.

Regardless of its form or manifestation, we must unite in our fight against terrorism." "Some countries use cross-border terrorism as an instrument of their policies, provide shelter to terrorists. SCO should not hesitate to criticise such nations. There should be no place for double standards on such serious matters," he said.