Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the SCO meet in China emphasized that peace cannot exist alongside terrorism. He called for global action against radicalisation, cross-border terror, and WMD proliferation, urging SCO members to take a firm, united stand against state-sponsored terrorism and technological threats like drone-based weapon smuggling.
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting on June 22, delivered a strong message against terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). Calling for decisive, collective global action, Singh asserted that “peace and prosperity cannot co-exist with terrorism.”
In his address to defence leaders from SCO member countries, Singh underscored terrorism, radicalisation, extremism, and a deepening trust deficit as the most urgent challenges facing the region. He identified the root of these problems as the rise in radicalisation and the misuse of terrorism by state and non-state actors alike.
“I believe that the biggest challenges we are facing in our region are related to peace, security, and trust deficit,” Singh said. “The root cause of these problems is increasing radicalisation, extremism, and terrorism. Peace and prosperity cannot co-exist with terrorism and proliferation of WMDs in the hands of non-state actors and terror groups.”
The Defence Minister called for the SCO to adopt a unified, uncompromising stance against terrorism, without tolerance for double standards. He warned that countries using cross-border terrorism as a tool of state policy must face global accountability.
“Some countries use cross-border terrorism as an instrument of policy and provide shelter to terrorists. There should be no place for such double standards. SCO should not hesitate to criticise such nations,” he asserted.
Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s position of “zero tolerance” towards terrorism. He pointed to recent military operations that demonstrate India’s resolve in defending itself. “India’s zero tolerance for terrorism is manifest today through its actions. This includes our right to defend ourselves against terrorism. We have shown that epicentres of terrorism are no longer safe, and we will not hesitate to target them,” he stated.
Referencing the tragic April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 tourists were killed by ‘The Resistance Front’, a known affiliate of Lashkar-e-Taiba, Singh said the pattern of the strike reflected earlier cross-border attacks. In response, India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure across the border.
“We reiterate the need to hold the perpetrators, organisers, financiers, and sponsors of such reprehensible acts accountable,” he said. “SCO members must condemn this evil unequivocally. Any act of terrorism is criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of its motivation or origin.”
Singh also warned of the evolving nature of terror threats, highlighting the growing use of advanced technologies such as drones for smuggling arms and narcotics. He said terrorism is no longer limited by geography and requires international cooperation to effectively combat.
“In our interconnected world, traditional borders are no longer the sole barriers against threats. We face an intricate web of challenges that include transnational terrorism, cyber-attacks, and hybrid warfare. These threats do not respect national boundaries and demand a unified response rooted in transparency, mutual trust, and collaboration,” Singh said.
He commended the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) for its efforts in coordinating counter-radicalisation campaigns and cited the joint statement issued during India’s 2023 chairmanship of the SCO on countering radicalisation, terrorism, and extremism.
Turning to regional stability, Singh reaffirmed India’s commitment to peace in Afghanistan, stating that India remains its largest regional development partner.
“Our immediate priorities in Afghanistan include providing humanitarian assistance and contributing to its developmental needs. India continues to implement capacity-building initiatives for the Afghan people,” he said.
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The Defence Minister concluded by advocating for multilateral cooperation and mutual trust among SCO nations. He stressed that no single country, regardless of its power, can address modern security threats alone.
“India believes that reformed multilateralism can help build cooperation and prevent conflict between countries. We support greater cooperation and mutual trust among SCO members to meet the aspirations of our people,” Singh said, invoking the ancient Indian philosophy of Sarve Jana Sukhino Bhavantu – ‘May all people be happy’.
