Dushanbe, October 21, 2026: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called for united international action against terrorism, asserting that there can be “no double standards” and no safe havens for those who finance, support or shelter terrorists. He made the remarks at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, where Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was also present.
Singh described terrorism as one of the gravest threats to peace, stability and development, urging SCO member states to work collectively to dismantle the networks that sustain terrorist activities.
Rajnath Singh Calls for United Action Against Terrorism
Addressing representatives of SCO member states, Singh said terrorism claims innocent lives and undermines economic progress by damaging investment, trade and long-term development.
He also warned that extremist violence can fuel radicalisation, destabilise societies and deprive young people of opportunities. He stressed that coordinated international cooperation is essential to address the threat effectively.
‘No Double Standards’ in Fighting Terror
Singh emphasised that terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstances and called for a consistent approach in tackling the menace.
He said countries, organisations and individuals involved in financing, supporting or providing shelter to terrorists should not be allowed to escape accountability.
His remarks reinforced India’s position that the international community must adopt a unified approach against terrorism, without making exceptions based on political considerations.
Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar Present During Remarks
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar attended the SCO meeting when Singh delivered his statement.
Although Singh did not explicitly name Pakistan in his remarks on terrorism, the comments were widely interpreted as a pointed message amid longstanding tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad over cross-border terrorism.
Call to Dismantle the Entire Terror Ecosystem
Singh urged SCO members to target the broader infrastructure that enables terrorist organisations to operate.
This includes networks involved in financing, recruitment, radicalisation, logistics and providing safe havens to those engaged in terrorist activities.
He stressed that cooperation among regional countries is necessary to strengthen security, maintain stability and support sustainable economic development.
India Reiterates Concerns Over Sovereignty
Beyond counterterrorism, Singh highlighted the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries while developing international connectivity projects.
He maintained that connectivity initiatives that disregard these principles cannot provide a sustainable foundation for long-term regional cooperation.
The remarks reflect India’s longstanding position that economic and transport corridors must respect its territorial claims and concerns.
Comments Seen as Reference to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
India has consistently opposed the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), arguing that parts of the project pass through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Against this backdrop, Singh’s comments on sovereignty and territorial integrity were viewed as a reiteration of India’s objections to connectivity projects passing through territory it considers its own.
India Highlights Regional Trade Connectivity
Singh also stressed the importance of strengthening regional transport and trade networks to improve economic cooperation among SCO members and neighbouring regions.
He highlighted initiatives such as the International North-South Transport Corridor and Chabahar Port, which can support connections between Central Asia and wider international markets.
Improved connectivity, he indicated, could facilitate trade, reduce logistical barriers and create new opportunities for regional economies.
Push for Easier Trade and Digital Connectivity
The defence minister called for simpler customs procedures, better logistics infrastructure and wider use of digital documentation to facilitate cross-border commerce.
He also highlighted the value of interoperable digital systems that could reduce transaction costs, streamline trade procedures and improve the movement of goods across the region.
Geopolitical Uncertainty Adds to Economic Challenges
Singh noted that geopolitical tensions, supply-chain disruptions and concerns about food and energy security continue to create uncertainty for the global economy.
He urged SCO countries to deepen cooperation in trade, investment and technology to address these challenges and strengthen regional economic resilience.
SCO Meeting Held in Tajikistan
The remarks came during the 25th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in Dushanbe.
The meeting brought together representatives of member states to discuss economic cooperation, transport connectivity, finance, digital development and broader regional coordination.
India Reaffirms Firm Stand Against Terrorism
Singh’s address reiterated India’s position that terrorism must be confronted collectively and that those who finance, support or shelter terrorist groups should be held accountable.
His remarks also placed terrorism, national sovereignty and regional connectivity at the centre of India’s engagement with the SCO, highlighting the continuing importance of security cooperation alongside economic integration.
Source: Hindustan Times, The Times of India, The Statesman, Ministry of Defence
Supreme News Network
