NEW DELHI: PM Modi strongly raised the issue of terrorism in his G7 outreach session address, describing the Pahalgam attack as an assault on all humanity and slamming double standards in the fight against terror. Without naming Pakistan, he said India’s neighbourhood had become a breeding ground for terrorism.Modi raised several questions about the international approach to terrorism, saying that while sanctions were being imposed based on personal preferences, nations that openly supported terrorism continued to be rewarded.“Are we truly serious about addressing terrorism? Will we understand the true meaning of terrorism only when it knocks on our own doors? Can those who spread terror and those who suffer from it be weighed on the same scale? Are our global institutions at risk of losing their credibility?” he asked, while also talking about the impact of ongoing conflicts on the Global South.The PM said turning a blind eye towards terrorism for the sake of vested interests, or extending support to terror or terrorists, was a betrayal of all humanity.If we don’t take decisive action today against this terrorism that stands against humanity, history will never forgive us,” the PM said.Modi also said the terrorist attack that took place on April 22 was not just an assault on Pahalgam but a direct attack on the soul, identity and dignity of every Indian. It was an assault on all humanity, he said.“Terrorism is the enemy of humanity. It stands in opposition to all nations that uphold democratic values. Unity in fight against terrorism is imperative. Unfortunately, our own neighbourhood has become a breeding ground for terrorism. For the sake of global peace, our thinking and our policies must be extremely clear – any country that supports terrorism must be held accountable and made to pay the price,” the PM said.Modi also said the countries of the Global South were having to bear the maximum impact of uncertainty and conflicts. No matter where the tension was in the world, he said, these countries were the first to be affected by food, fuel, fertiliser and financial crises.“India considers it its responsibility to bring the priorities and concerns of the Global South to the world stage. We believe as long as double standards persist in any form, sustainable and inclusive development of humanity shall remain out of reach,” Modi said.
