Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a strong message at the G7 on the global stage, urging world leaders to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and calling out the double standards that continue to undermine international efforts.
Addressing the G7 Outreach Session on Tuesday, PM Modi emphasized the urgent need for cohesive global action against terrorism, stating that nations that sponsor or harbor terrorist networks must be held accountable.
“For global peace and prosperity, our thinking and policies must be clear—any country that supports terrorism must be made to pay the price,” he said in a firm appeal to the gathered leaders.
Highlighting what he described as a troubling inconsistency in global diplomacy, Modi added,
“On one hand, we are swift to impose sanctions to suit our interests, but on the other, nations that openly support terrorism often go unpunished—or even rewarded. This double standard must end.”
The remarks come against the backdrop of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 Indian civilians and security personnel. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, a targeted military operation against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed Modi’s strong pitch during the session.
“PM reiterated India’s stand against terrorism and thanked global leaders for condemning the ghastly Pahalgam attack,” Jaiswal posted on X. “He urged the international community to intensify efforts and take decisive action against entities that support terrorism.”
Beyond security concerns, PM Modi’s engagement at the summit extended to economic and developmental issues, especially those impacting the Global South. During his address, he urged G7 nations to listen more closely to the voices of developing countries and prioritize their needs in global decision-making frameworks.
“The world cannot move forward by leaving the Global South behind. Their concerns are global concerns,” Modi said, underscoring the need for more inclusive multilateralism.
Describing his overall discussions as “productive,” the Prime Minister said the meetings were focused on resolving key global challenges, ranging from terrorism and trade to equitable development.
On the sidelines of the summit, Modi held bilateral meetings with several world leaders, including:
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
- French President Emmanuel Macron
- South Korean President Lee Jae-myung
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
These dialogues focused on enhancing bilateral ties, strengthening trade cooperation, and addressing shared economic priorities.
In a notable development, India and Canada agreed to restore full diplomatic engagement, deciding to appoint new high commissioners in both countries. The move comes after a period of diplomatic tension and is aimed at normalizing consular and trade relations.
As the summit progresses, India’s message is clear: terrorism must be confronted head-on, not selectively, and the voices of the Global South must be heard as the world charts its course forward.