Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has emphasised the need for a united and decisive response to terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) among non-state actors and terrorist organisations during his speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Qingdao, China.
Singh stressed that peace and prosperity cannot coexist with terrorism, highlighting radicalisation, extremism, and a growing trust deficit as the key challenges confronting the region.
“I believe that the biggest challenges that we are facing in our region are related to peace, security and trust deficit. And the root cause of these problems is increasing radicalisation, extremism and terrorism,” Rajnath Singh stated.
He warned that only a collective and determined stance can ensure security for all, asserting, “Peace and prosperity cannot co-exist with terrorism and proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) in the hands of non-state actors and terror groups.”
The Defence Minister called for accountability for those who support terrorism, stating, “Those who sponsor, nurture and utilise terrorism for their narrow and selfish ends must bear the consequences.”
Condemnation of State-sponsored terrorism
Singh condemned nations that employ cross-border terrorism as a state policy tool and provide shelter to terrorists, insisting that such double standards must be challenged.
“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 remarked.
Emphasising India’s strict stance against terrorism, Rajnath Singh noted, “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 also highlighted the role of the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in counter-radicalisation efforts and referenced the joint statement on ‘Countering Radicalisation leading to Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism’ issued during India’s SCO chairmanship.
Rajnath Singh urged member states to tackle the misuse of modern technologies by terrorists, especially drones used for smuggling weapons and narcotics.
“In our interconnected world, traditional borders are no longer the sole barriers against threats. Instead, we face an intricate web of challenges that range from transnational terrorism and cyber-attacks to hybrid warfare,” he explained.
Rajnath Singh further added, “These threats do not respect national boundaries, and they demand a unified response rooted in transparency, mutual trust, and collaboration.”
Reference to the Pahalgam terror attack and ‘Operation Sindoor’
Recalling the Pahalgam terror attack on 22 April, which killed 26 tourists and was carried out by ‘The Resistance Front’, an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, Singh pointed to the similarity with previous attacks by the group.
“In exercising its right to defend against terrorism and pre-empt as well as deter further cross-border terrorist attacks, India on May 7, 2025, successfully launched Op Sindoor to dismantle cross-border terrorist infrastructure,” the Minister added.
Singh urged justice for perpetrators, organisers, financiers, and sponsors of terrorism, emphasising, “We reiterate the need to hold the perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of reprehensible acts of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, accountable and bring them to justice. Any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whomever committed. SCO members must condemn this evil unequivocally.”
Highlighting the importance of multilateralism, the Minister reiterated India’s belief in dialogue and cooperation to prevent conflicts.
“India believes that reformed multilateralism can help build cooperation to prevent conflict between countries by creating mechanisms for dialogue and collaboration. No country, however large and powerful, can manage alone,” he said, invoking the ancient Indian principle, ‘Sarve Jana Sukhino Bhavantu’ (May all people be happy).
Support for peace and development in Afghanistan
The Minister reaffirmed India’s support for peace and stability in Afghanistan, noting ongoing humanitarian assistance and development initiatives as India remains Afghanistan’s largest regional development partner.
Concluding, Singh called for enhanced cooperation and mutual trust among SCO members to meet the aspirations of their people and address current challenges.
“India supports greater cooperation and mutual trust among SCO members. We should collectively aspire to fulfil the aspirations and expectations of our people as well as tackle today’s challenges. We must all be in lockstep in our endeavour to strengthen stability and security in our neighbourhood,” Rajnath Singh said.
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