NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his address at the G7 outreach session to deliver a sharp message on global inaction and hypocrisy in dealing with terrorism. Referring to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Modi described it as not just an attack on a location in India, but a blow to “the soul, identity, and dignity of every Indian” — and, more broadly, “an assault on all humanity.”
Without directly naming Pakistan, Modi pointed to India’s neighbourhood as a breeding ground for terrorism and questioned the global community’s inconsistent approach to the issue. “Terrorism is the enemy of humanity. It is opposed to the values of every democratic nation. Yet, countries that openly support terrorism continue to be rewarded, while sanctions are imposed based on convenience and preference,” he said.
Modi posed a series of pointed questions to the global leadership:
“Are we truly serious about fighting terrorism? Will we only recognize it as a threat when it reaches our own doors? Can those who perpetrate terror and those who suffer from it be treated the same? Are our global institutions in danger of losing their credibility?”
He warned against the moral failure of ignoring terrorism for geopolitical or strategic gain. “Turning a blind eye for vested interests, or aiding terrorists in any form, is a betrayal of humanity itself. If we fail to act decisively now, history will never forgive us,” he said.
The prime minister called for unity and clarity in the global response to terrorism. “Any country that supports terror must be held accountable and made to face consequences. For the sake of global peace, there can be no ambiguity in policy or principle,” he asserted.
Modi also highlighted the disproportionate burden borne by the Global South in the face of international conflict and instability. He noted that whether it’s war, economic turbulence, or resource shortages, it is developing nations that are hit first and hardest.
“India sees it as its responsibility to bring the voices and priorities of the Global South to the global stage,” he said. “As long as double standards persist—whether in dealing with terrorism or development—sustainable, inclusive progress for humanity will remain out of reach.”
