
The seminar, held under the auspices of the Chintan Research Foundation, featured a panel discussion with prominent figures, including the Chinese Ambassador. During his address, the Ambassador stated, "So in fact, terrorism is the enemy of the global world... not only china and india but in fact pakistan are also victims of terrorism." This statement has been met with significant backlash, as it appears to place india on the same level as pakistan, a country often criticized for its role in fostering terrorism.
Critics argue that this equivalence is not only misleading but also deeply insulting to india, given the historical context of cross-border terrorism originating from Pakistan. The timing of the statement, just ahead of the SCO Summit 2025, has raised questions about the motives behind the seminar and the role of the Chintan Research Foundation in facilitating such dialogues.
The involvement of the adani Group in this event has further fueled the controversy. Accusations have surfaced that the conglomerate, known for its extensive business interests, might be prioritizing economic ties with china over national security concerns. social media users and political commentators have lambasted the adani Group, with one user stating, "Adani just for his business in china, just humiliated india by letting it get equated with Pakistan. Pathetic and Shameful."
The seminar's focus on "resetting India-China ties" is part of a broader effort to improve bilateral relations, which have been strained due to border disputes and geopolitical tensions. However, the inclusion of such a sensitive topic as terrorism, and the manner in which it was addressed, has undermined the event's objectives. The Chinese Ambassador's remarks, combined with the platform provided by the Chintan Research Foundation, have led to perceptions that India’s stance on terrorism is being diluted for the sake of diplomatic and economic gains.
This incident has reignited debates about the influence of corporate entities in shaping foreign policy and the potential conflicts of interest that arise when business interests intersect with national security. As india prepares for the SCO Summit 2025, the fallout from this seminar serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between economic cooperation and safeguarding national integrity.
The Chintan Research Foundation, established as an independent think tank, has been criticized for its role in hosting an event that many believe undermines India's position on terrorism. The foundation's commitment to "advancing policy solutions through rigorous research and thought leadership" is now under scrutiny, with calls for greater transparency and accountability in its operations.
As the dust settles, the incident at the SCO Summit 2025 seminar highlights the complexities of India-China relations and the challenges of navigating them in a globalized world. It also underscores the need for a unified national stance on critical issues like terrorism, ensuring that economic interests do not compromise strategic priorities.