Dushanbe, October 20: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday called for a firm and united global response to terrorism, asserting that there should be no double standards in dealing with terrorist organisations and those who support, finance or provide safe havens to them.
Addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Singh described terrorism as one of the most serious threats to peace and development. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar was also present during the meeting.
Singh said terrorism not only claims innocent lives but also disrupts trade, discourages investment, promotes radicalisation and deprives young people of opportunities.
“There should be no double standards in dealing with terrorism, and no place for those who finance, support or provide safe havens to terrorists,” he said, stressing the need to dismantle the entire terrorist ecosystem through collective action.
The Defence Minister’s remarks reiterated India’s longstanding position against cross-border terrorism. On October 15, Singh had warned that any further terrorist attacks originating from Pakistan would invite an even stronger response from India.
Speaking at the Times Network Defence Conclave in New Delhi, he had described Operation Sindoor, the Balakot airstrikes and surgical strikes as examples of India’s shift towards decisive action against terrorism.
Singh also highlighted the importance of maintaining strong defence capabilities to safeguard national security. He said India remained committed to peace, dialogue and the peaceful resolution of disputes, but its commitment to peace should not be mistaken for weakness.
He further claimed that since 2014, the operational lifespan of many terrorists had declined, with security forces neutralising them within a year of their taking up arms against India.
“Our commitment to peace remains steadfast, yet we are fully prepared to confront any challenge,” Singh said, emphasising that India would continue to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests.
Singh Holds Bilateral Meetings on SCO Sidelines
On the sidelines of the SCO meeting, Singh held separate meetings with Tajikistan Prime Minister Qohir Rosulzoda and Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref.
During his meeting with Rosulzoda, Singh highlighted the longstanding civilisational ties and strong people-to-people connections between India and Tajikistan.
In a post on X, the Defence Minister described the interaction as an opportunity to reaffirm the close relationship between the two countries.
Singh also met Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref, sharing details of the meeting on social media.
The Defence Minister is representing India at the SCO Heads of Government meeting in the Tajik capital, where leaders and representatives of member countries are discussing regional cooperation and common priorities.
Ahead of the meeting, Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon welcomed Singh and other representatives of SCO member states at the Palace of the Nation in Dushanbe.
According to India’s Ministry of Defence, the discussions are focused on strengthening cooperation in areas including culture, connectivity, trade, innovation, investment and people-to-people exchanges.
India is also highlighting its contributions in areas such as start-ups, digital public infrastructure and cultural cooperation as part of efforts to promote practical and mutually beneficial partnerships among SCO member countries.
