At the G7 Summit’s outreach session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful address focusing on the global threat of terrorism and the need for a unified global response. He strongly criticized countries that openly support terrorism yet continue to be rewarded by the international community, pointing to a double standard in global diplomacy. Without naming, he made a veiled reference to Western nations, including the United States, for maintaining ties with Pakistan, a country India has long accused of harboring and sponsoring terrorism.
Modi posed a series of pointed questions to global leaders present at the summit, challenging their commitment to fighting terrorism. He questioned whether the international community only takes terrorism seriously when it directly affects them and asked if it is fair to treat the perpetrators and victims of terrorism on the same scale. He also raised concerns about the credibility of global institutions that fail to take decisive action against terrorism.
In a sharp rebuke of selective action, Modi contrasted the ease with which sanctions are imposed based on political or strategic interests with the continued appeasement of nations supporting terrorism. His remarks came just hours before US President Donald Trump was scheduled to host Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir at the White House, underscoring the irony Modi sought to highlight in his speech.
Calling terrorism a betrayal of humanity, Modi emphasized that ignoring the threat for short-term or vested interests is morally indefensible and historically condemnable. He stated that global peace and security require moral clarity, accountability, and consistent action.
Referring to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which Indian security personnel were killed, Modi said the attack was not only an assault on a particular region but a direct strike on the dignity and identity of the entire nation. He expressed gratitude to the countries that condemned the attack and offered their condolences, appreciating their solidarity.
Modi also warned against “double standards” in dealing with terrorism. He asserted that countries that support terrorism must be held accountable and face consequences. He highlighted the danger of inaction and urged leaders to work together with clear policies to prevent terror from spreading further. Modi described India's neighborhood as a region that has become a “breeding ground” for terrorism and stressed that global security depended on eliminating such safe havens.
In addition to his remarks on terrorism, Modi also thanked Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for inviting India to the G7 Summit. Although India is not a member of the G7 — an informal bloc consisting of the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada, and the European Union — it has been regularly invited to the outreach sessions. This marked India’s 12th participation at the summit and Modi’s 6th.
While the primary focus of his speech was terrorism, Modi also touched upon other important global challenges, signaling India’s willingness to cooperate on broader international issues. His address reinforced India's stance as a responsible global player advocating for peace, security, and integrity in international affairs.